(A) To obtain the release of an animal after impoundment, an owner must be at least 18 years old and also provide documentation that the animal is currently inoculated against rabies and also must pay the impoundment fee as specified in § 55.34 of this chapter.
(B) If an animal is not reclaimed by its owner within 24 hours of the impoundment of that animal, a boarding fee will be charged at the current established boarding rate for each day after the first day of impoundment.
(C) Pursuant to the provisions of S.C. Code § 47-3-55(C) and (E); all dogs and cats that are reclaimed from the animal shelter will have a microchip implanted with the associated cost of the microchip added to any impoundment and boarding fees. The owner redeeming his or her dog or cat must elect to have a microchip implanted.
(D) An increasing impoundment fee will be charged to an animal owner according to the schedule established in this chapter each time an animal belonging to the same owner is impounded up to three consecutive times. Any subsequent impoundments charged to the owner after three times will be charged at a rate equal to the third impoundment fee and for each time thereafter.
(1) In calculating the fees required under this section, no animal impoundments charged to the animal owner occurring more than three years before the current impoundment shall be considered.
(2) The Animal Control Supervisor may, at his or her discretion, waive all fees for the first impoundment if, in the judgment of the Animal Control Supervisor, a violation of this code is inadvertent and there are extenuating circumstances which would warrant the waiver of fees for a first impoundment.
(E) The Animal Control Supervisor may prohibit an owner of any animal to reclaim the animal, which, by virtue of its temperament, size, behavior, history or any combination thereof, may present a danger to the safety of the public. Under this provision, the animal may be held at the Animal Shelter pending a hearing before a magistrate to determine if additional confinement measures are necessary. In the case of such a detention of an animal, boarding fees shall accrue pursuant to the schedule of fees set forth herein, but, may be waived by the magistrate upon a finding that additional confinement of the animal in issue is not necessary.
(F) All requests for information on circumstances and reasons why an animal was impounded must be requested through the Freedom of Information Act. A written request must be submitted stating what information is requested, and it must include the contact information for the person making the request.
(Ord. 1009, passed 2-2-09; Am. Ord. 2412, passed 10-15-12)