(A) The animal control officer may impound any animal found within the city in violation of any provision of this chapter. Once the owner of said animal is ascertained, said owner shall be notified of the impoundment within 24 hours.
(B) Animal control officers and police officers shall not be responsible for any injury or disease of any animal resulting from the enforcement of this chapter.
(C) Any impounded animal not claimed by the owner within three days after receiving notice shall become the property of the city and shall be placed for adoption in a suitable home or humanely euthanized.
(D) An owner reclaiming an impounded animal shall pay the following fees in addition to the daily boarding cost, in an amount as set by the city from time to time.
(1) First impoundment equals a fee in an amount as set by the city from time to time; provided, however, that if the impounded animal is not licensed with the city, the owner shall pay a first impoundment fee in an amount as set by the city from time to time.
(2) Second impoundment within a 12-month period equals a fee in an amount as set by the city from time to time.
(3) Any subsequent impoundment within a 12-month period equals a fee in an amount as set by the city from time to time.
(E) Before an animal may be removed from impound, the owner shall provide proof of current rabies vaccination and license.
(F) A violation of any provision of this chapter shall be a Class 2 misdemeanor. All incidents shall be documented by the animal control officer or police officer involved in said incident by issuing a warning ticket or filing a complaint stating the alleged violation.
(G) Notice of impoundment, warning ticket or complaint may be served personally by a police officer or animal control officer, by prepaid first-class mail or certified mail to the owner or custodian who was violating the provisions of this chapter, and such notice is deemed given at the time it is personally served or mailed.
(Ord. 12-16-2002, passed 12-16-2002; Ord. 215, passed 11-24-2003; Ord. 216, passed 5-24-2004; Ord. 228, passed 8-20-2007)