City of Lavon, TX IMPOUNDMENT

(a)

Animals subject to impoundment.

The following animals may be impounded:

(1)

Cats or dogs not exhibiting evidence of being vaccinated as described in this chapter;

(2)

Any animal infected with rabies or kept under conditions that could endanger the public or animal health;

(3)

Any animal that creates a nuisance, [as described] in this chapter;

(4)

Any animal found running at large;

(5)

Any animal treated in a manner determined by an animal control officer to be cruel and inhumane;

(6)

Any animal that has bitten a human being or needs to be placed under observation for rabies determination, as determined by an animal control officer;

(7)

Any animal violating any provisions of this chapter.

(b)

Right of private person to confine animal found on premises.

If any of the animals named in this chapter are found upon the premises of any person, the owner or occupant of the premises shall have the right to confine such animal in a humane manner until he can notify an animal control officer to retrieve the animal for impoundment. When so notified, it shall be the duty of the animal control officer to impound such animal.

(c)

Redemption of impounded animal.

Except where otherwise prohibited, the owner can resume possession of any impounded animal upon payment of required fees and any charges incurred for the care of the animal, and upon compliance with vaccination provisions of this chapter.

(d)

Disposition of cruelly treated animals.

Disposition of animals impounded on the grounds of cruel or inhumane treatment shall be determined by the court of jurisdiction.

(e)

Animals held in quarantine.

If any animal is being held in quarantine or observation for rabies, the owner shall not be entitled to possession until it has been released from quarantine.

(f)

Impoundment facilities.

The city mayor shall select and establish a place for impounding animals under any provisions of this chapter or may contract with an outside agency to provide such service.

(Ordinance 2016-05-01, sec. 9, adopted 5/3/16; Ordinance adopting 2018 Code)