(a) The local health authority shall take into custody any animal found at large in the town and shall impound the animal into custody of the animal control officer, the health authority’s designated place of animal detention, or the animal shelter as defined by Article
2.100 of this chapter.
(b) Such impounded
animal shall be held for a period of not more than four (4) days or
as defined by a written agreement between the town and the animal
shelter.
(c) At the
end of such period, if the animal has not been claimed and the fees
associated with the impoundment have not been paid to the town and/or
the animal shelter, the animal shall be delivered to the appropriate
humane society as determined by the animal shelter for adoption or
disposal. The owner of the animal shall pay all costs associated with
the adoption or disposal of the animal.
(d) Prior
to the delivery of an animal for whom the owner has been identified
to the humane society, the animal control officer or other local health
authority shall give notice to the owner of an impounded animal by
leaving written notice that the animal will be delivered to the humane
society on the door of the owner’s residence followed by sending
a certified letter. That the owner does not receive or does not claim
the written notice or certified letter will not subject the town to
any liability in association with delivery of the animal to the animal
shelter and/or euthanasia of the animal.
(Ordinance 03-003 adopted 4/7/03)