Dogs or cats which have not been vaccinated against rabies and have not been issued a tag by a licensed veterinarian pursuant to this Chapter; or dogs, cats or animals who have allegedly been cruelly treated or been abused by those in whose care they reside; or dogs, cats or animals that are sick or have been injured and require treatment and the owner cannot be located; or dogs, cats or other animals found not under restraint may be seized and impounded by any Police or Animal Control Officer and said dog, cat or animal that has been impounded may be treated if necessary. Impoundment may be in any animal shelter so designated by the person in charge of animal control. The owner of the dog, cat or animal shall be responsible for the expenses of impoundment and/or treatment. In the case of a dog, cat or other animal that has allegedly been cruelly treated or been abused and a general ordinance summons for a violation of either Sections
205.050 or
205.060 has been issued or the owner is unknown, said impounded dog, cat or other animal may only be released by order of a judge or when an Animal Control Officer believes the release will not result in cruel treatment or abuse.
If a dog or cat wears a veterinarian tag or if an owner of a
dog, cat, or other animal can by any other reasonable means be identified
and located, the owner shall, if at all possible, be notified that
the dog, cat, or other animal has been impounded. However, failure
of the owner to be notified shall not excuse any violation of this
Chapter or any expenses for which the person would otherwise be responsible.