It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, without proper authority, to release any animal from any impound facility, or to tamper with any enclosure belonging to or used by the city for the purpose of confining any animal.
(Ordinance 276-08-08-26, art. VI, adopted 8/26/08)
(a) 
Unrestrained dogs, stray animals, animals at large, and animals deemed to be a nuisance, shall be impounded by the animal control officer in the animal control facility and kept in a humane manner. Any animal that poses a threat to public health and safety, any wild animal kept illegally, or any animal that has been cruelly treated or abused shall also be impounded.
(b) 
An animal not claimed by its owner within 5 days shall become the property of the city and may be disposed of by humane euthanization or in such other manner as the city determines.
(c) 
If the owner of an impounded animal can be identified, the animal control officer shall, upon impoundment of the animal, notify the owner by direct contact, telephone, mail, or other reasonable means that the animal has been impounded.
(d) 
Sick or injured animals without identification or for which ownership otherwise cannot be determined may be kept 0 to 72 hours at the discretion of the animal control officer after consultation with a licensed veterinarian.
(e) 
In addition to, or in lieu of, impounding an animal found at large, an animal control officer or law enforcement officer may issue to the owner of the animal found at large a citation for violation of this chapter.
(Ordinance 276-08-08-26, art. VI, adopted 8/26/08)
(a) 
No sick or injured impounded animal shall be released to the owner until the animal control officer is satisfied that arrangements have been made for proper treatment of such animal.
(b) 
The owner of any impounded animal may reclaim such animal within 5 days from the animal control facility by paying all impoundment fees and expenses of taking up and keeping such animal, including the cost of micro-chipping and/or sterilization, as applicable (see section 2.01.002(d)). No animal will be released without proof of current rabies vaccination.
(Ordinance 276-08-08-26, art. VI, adopted 8/26/08)