A law enforcement officer, humane officer, Washington County
Sheriff, or other person restraining a dog running at large shall
take such dog to the county pound. The boarding fee for impounded
dogs shall be the current county fees. The keeper of the pound shall
attempt to identify and notify the owner and shall keep a public record
of all such dogs impounded.
The keeper of the pound may release the dog to the owner or
his or her representative if the owner or representative:
A. Gives his or her name and address.
B. Presents evidence that the dog is licensed and vaccinated against
rabies.
C. Pays the dog's boarding fee, as provided in the current schedule.
If the owner of the dog is unknown or does not reclaim the dog
within seven days, the keeper of the pound may release the dog to
a person other than the owner if such person:
A. Gives his or her name and address.
B. Signs a statement agreeing to license the dog and have the animal
vaccinated against rabies.
If the dog is not released to the owner or other person in seven
days, the keeper may dispose of the dog as provided in § 174.13,
Wis. Stats., or dispose of the dog in a proper and humane manner.
For the purpose of discharging the duties imposed by this chapter
and to enforce its provisions, any law enforcement officer is empowered
to enter upon any premises upon which a dog is kept or harbored and
to demand the exhibition by the owner of such dog or the license for
such dog. It is further provided that a law enforcement officer may
enter the premises where any animal is kept in a reportedly cruel
or inhumane manner and demand to examine such animal and to take possession
of such animal when, in his or her opinion, it requires removal from
the premises.