§ 4-9. Impounding.

Any animal, which appears to be lost, strayed, unwanted or has been designated as vicious or a public nuisance and found running at large shall be confined in the animal shelter in a humane manner for a period of no less than five working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) for redemption by the owner.

(1)

Placement or destruction. If an impounded animal is not redeemed by the owner within five working days it may be taken by any responsible adult not associated with the shelter who is willing to comply with these animal control laws. An animal not redeemed within five days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, after being taken into custody, may be placed in a new home. An animal not redeemed by the owner or taken by a responsible adult may be destroyed in a humane manner by the animal control officer after the passage of five-working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays).

(2)

Notifying owner. Immediately upon impounding an animal, the animal control officer shall make a reasonable effort to notify the owner, and inform such owner of the conditions whereby the animal may be redeemed.

(3)

Suspected rabies. Animals impounded which have been bitten by a rabid animal or appear to be suffering from rabies shall not be redeemed or sold, but shall be dealt with as provided herein.

(4)

Other diseased or injured animals. Where any animal impounded is badly wounded or diseased (not a rabies suspect) and has no identification the animal control officer shall attempt to notify the owner before disposing of such animal. If the owner cannot be readily reached, and the animal is suffering, the animal control officer may destroy the animal at his discretion in a humane manner.

(5)

Vicious animals. An animal control officer may destroy any vicious animal after he has made a reasonable attempt to place the animal in his control.

(Ord. No. 165, § 8, 4-7-2008)