(A) Any animal found within the area of the town in violation of the provisions of this chapter may be caught and impounded by town authorities. If an animal cannot be caught in a safe, efficient manner, Animal Control Officer(s) may tranquilize the animal by use of a tranquilizer gun. The Winnsboro Animal Control may, thereafter, make available for adoption or humanely destroy impounded animals not redeemed within five days. The Town of Winnsboro is not responsible for the death of an animal due to the use of a tranquilizer gun for animals in violation of this chapter.
(B) When a person arrested is, at the time of the arrest, in charge of an animal, the Winnsboro Animal Control may take charge of the animal and deposit the animal in a safe place of custody or impound the animal at its Animal Shelter.
(C) All animals held at its Animal Shelter after the legal detention period has expired and its owner has not claimed the animal shall be the property of the Animal Shelter and subject to being placed for adoption, fostered, or euthanized at the sole discretion of Winnsboro Animal Control.
(D) Immediately after impounding a pet that is wearing a rabies tag, or another identification tag, or a pet that has an implanted identification microchip or an obvious identification tattoo, a reasonable effort will be made to locate the owner and to inform him or her of the circumstances under which he or she may regain custody of the pet impounded by the Winnsboro Animal Control reflecting its disposition.
(E) Any animal found at large may be impounded by the Animal Control Officer and may not be redeemed by its owner unless such redemption is authorized by the Winnsboro Animal Control, with assurance from the owner that proper care and custody will be maintained.
(F) Any animal surrendered to the Animal Shelter may be adopted or euthanized at any time provided there is a completed and signed surrender form on file for the animal concerned.
(Ord. 63, passed 11-15-2022)