When an estray, fowl, or other livestock has been impounded,
the animal control officer or other designated person shall make a
diligent search for the owner of the estray, fowl or other livestock.
If the search does not reveal the owner, the animal control officer
shall advertise the impoundment of the estray in the local newspaper
of the city at least once during the next 7 days following impoundment
and post a notice of the impoundment of the estray, fowl or other
livestock on the public notice board of city hall.
The owner of an estray or other livestock may recover possession
of the animal any time under the terms of this article.
(1) Before
the sale of the animal:
(A) The owner has provided the animal control officer with an affidavit
of ownership of the estray or other livestock containing at least
the following information:
(i) The name and address of the owner;
(ii)
The date the owner discovered that the animal was missing;
(iii)
The property from which the animal strayed;
(iv)
A description of the animal including its breed, color, sex,
all markings of any kind and any other identifying characteristics;
(B) The animal control officer has approved the affidavit; and
(C) The owner has paid all fees as shown in this article to those entitled
to receive them.
(2) After
the sale of the animal: By paying to the purchaser double the amount
bid by him for such animal or animals, and his reasonable expenses
for keeping the same, provided the owner so redeems said animal within
thirty (30) days after the date of sale; otherwise said animal shall
become the absolute property of the purchaser.
For each and every estray or other livestock taken and impounded
there shall be paid to the city a fee by the owner for each and every
day that the animal shall remain in the custody of the animal control
department or other designated person impounding livestock.
During the period of time an estray or other livestock is held
by one who impounded the estray or other livestock, it may not be
used by any person for any purpose.
If the estray or other livestock dies or escapes while held
by the person who impounded it, the person shall report the death
or escape to the animal control officer. The report shall be filed
in the record of this impoundment.