It shall be unlawful for any dog or cat to run at large. For the purposes of this Section, any dog or cat not upon the premises of its owner or such other person having custody, possession or control over any such dog or cat, which is not on a leash and under the control of a person physically able to control it, shall be deemed to be running at large. All dogs or cats found to be running at large shall be promptly impounded by the Chief of Police, or any person authorized by him for this purpose.
Any person owning, having custody, possession or control over any dog or cat which violates any provisions of this Section shall be guilty of an unlawful act. Any person who violates this Section may, in lieu of prosecution for a violation hereof, make payment in accordance with Section 1-4-2 of this Code. (1976 Code §4-24)