A. In addition to any police officer of this city, animal control officers shall have police powers in enforcement of this chapter; and no person shall interfere with, hinder, molest or abuse any such officer in the exercise of his or her powers. For the purpose of discharging the duties imposed by this chapter and to enforce its provisions, any officer is empowered to enter upon any premises upon which a dog, cat or other animal is kept or harbored and to demand proof by the owner or caretaker of such dog, cat or other animal that the animal is licensed and has had the proper rabies vaccination tag.
B. If a police officer or animal control officer shall find upon inspection of a private premises that a dog, cat or other animal has not received rabies shots, is not licensed, or has inadequate feed, water or shelter, the officer may remove said dog, cat or other animal to the city impoundment facility, with a veterinarian or at a kennel. Following impoundment, animal control shall give written notice to the owner, if known, within two (2) days. If the owner does not redeem the dog, cat or animal within five (5) days after the date of the notice, or if the owner is not known and animal control is not contacted by an owner or caretaker within three (3) days after impoundment, the animal may be humanely destroyed or, in appropriate circumstances as determined by animal control, may be disposed of by sale or by donation to a suitable animal shelter or rescue organization. Fees and charges of said removal and boarding of said animal, as set forth in subsection 5-1-1E of this chapter, shall be paid by the owner or caretaker of the dog, cat or other animal from whom it was taken. (Ord. 5204, 3-10-2014; amd. Ord. 5684, 1-17-2023)