A.
An Animal Control Officer is authorized to impound an animal found running at large until the matter is resolved in accordance with this section and applicable state law (see § 133-10), provided that if the animal is wearing a current rabies tag, or has a microchip with owner identification, the waiting period for disposition to other than the owner shall be at least six business days and an animal may not be euthanized within 10 business days after being impounded, except under the conditions specified in § 133-17.
B.
The Animal Control Officer, upon impounding an animal, must record
the breed, color, sex, and license-status of the animal. If licensed,
the officer must record the name and address of the owner and the
number of the license tag. Within 24 hours after impounding an animal,
this information shall be posted on the Animal Control Authority's
website. If licensed, the officer must record the name and address
of the owner and the number of the license tag and attempt to contact
the owner as soon as practicable.
C.
The owner may be entitled to resume possession of an impounded animal
upon compliance with the vaccination and licensing provisions of this
chapter at the owner's expense. The owner must present satisfactory
proof of ownership, such as a vaccination receipt, affidavits of neighbors,
a photograph, or other appropriate identification.
D.
Animals determined by the Animal Control Authority to be potentially dangerous or dangerous may be redeemed in accordance with § 133-11.
E.
Before release of the animal, the owner of an impounded animal must
pay for the costs of the animal's board and care that are incurred
while the animal is impounded. Boarding costs that are not paid may
be collected in the same manner as a judgment or debt may be collected.
F.
Disposition. The disposition of impounded animals shall be in accordance
with state law.
A.
When the Animal Control Authority is unable, after reasonable effort,
to impound wild or suspected rabid animals, it may humanely euthanize
the animals.
B.
An animal that appears to be suffering from rabies or affected with
hydrophobia, mange, or other threatening disease must not be released
and may be euthanized.
C.
If a female dog or cat in heat or an unneutered male dog or cat belonging
to the same owner is impounded twice within 12 months, the dog or
cat must not be released to its owner and will become the property
of the Animal Control Authority unless the owner pays for the spaying
or neutering of the dog or cat by the Animal Control Authority within
one week after notice.
