(A) (1) If there is reasonable cause shown that the offending animal under § 92.015 may constitute a hazard to the safety of the public at large during the pendency of any action commenced thereunder, the court may order such animal or animals impounded pending the outcome of such proceedings. Any person who owns, keeps, harbors or maintains or controls any animal involved in such impoundment shall pay all expenses, including shelter, food, veterinary expenses, boarding or other expenses, necessitated by the impoundment of the animal for the protection of the public and other expenses as may be required.
(2) The Authority may require such person to pay, prior to expiration of ten days after the date of impoundment, an amount sufficient to pay all reasonable expenses incurred in caring and providing for the animal, including estimated medical care, for 30 days, inclusive of the date on which the animal was impounded. If such payment is not made prior to expiration of this ten-day period, the animal shall become the property of the Authority to be disposed of as the Authority deems appropriate. Such payment shall be required for each succeeding 30-day period. If any such payment is not made prior to the end of each succeeding 30-day period, the animal shall become the property of the Authority to be disposed of as the Authority deems appropriate. The amount of the payment shall be determined by the Authority based on the current rate for board at the animal shelter and the condition of the animal after examination of the animal by a veterinarian acting for the Authority. Any such payment received by the Authority in excess of the amount determined by the Authority to be due for the board and care of the animal shall be refunded by the Authority upon expiration of the order of impoundment.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the owner or custodian is found not guilty of animal neglect or cruelty, the owner or custodian shall only be required to pay the veterinary expenses and one-half of the board and care fees determined by the Authority to be due.
(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is determined by a veterinarian acting for the Authority that such animal is diseased or disabled beyond any useful purpose, the animal shall immediately become that property of the Authority to be humanely disposed of as the Authority deems appropriate.
(Prior Code, § 6-124) (Ord. 895, passed 6-12-2012) Penalty, see § 92.999