Any livestock found running at large within the corporate limits
of the city may be impounded by a city enforcement agent, the county
sheriff’s department, or their designee.
(Ordinance 695-01 adopted 3/5/01)
(a)
In the event that ownership of the impounded livestock can not be determined, the livestock will be held at the Dallas County holding facility for livestock and impounded by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. At such time, the livestock shall become the responsibility of Dallas County. Should the owner be located within the five (5) day period, the owner shall pay all required fees set forth in appendix A of the Code of Ordinances. The city, by this provision, intends to comply with any applicable provision of state law relative to the impoundment of estrays.
(b)
If, for any reason, the livestock are not able to be held at the Dallas County holding facility, the livestock shall be held at the designated animal shelter in use by the city for a period of five (5) days. At such time, the livestock shall become the responsibility of the city. Should the owner be located within the five (5) day period, the owner shall pay all required fees set forth in appendix A of the Code of Ordinances.
(c)
If
impounded livestock are sold at public auction by the Dallas County
Sheriff’s Department, the county holding facility will apply
such amount to the proceeds as necessary to satisfy the fees and costs
incurred because of animal impoundment and auction, and any fees and
costs incurred by the city for impounding the livestock, restitution
for any damage sustained by a property owner for said livestock having
been at large, upon submission of a notarized affidavit and satisfactory
proof of such damage, and shall deposit the remainder of such monies,
if any, in the city general fund. Upon payment of all fees, costs
and restitution, any remaining monies shall be returned to the owner
of the livestock upon submission of a sworn notarized affidavit that
the applicant was in fact the owner of the livestock immediately prior
to the sale.
(Ordinance 695-01 adopted 3/5/01)
