The Town of Burlington appoints the Wisconsin Humane Society as its Humane Officer pursuant to Chapter 173 of the Wisconsin State Statutes.
Any person owning or bringing an animal in the Town of Burlington, shall maintain control over such animal. The provisions of Chapter 6.04 are incorporated herein as it relates to dogs. All other animals shall be properly and humanely restrained, kenneled, penned or otherwise controlled by appropriate means within the Town at all times. Further, all such persons shall treat animals within the Town in a humane manner. No person may abandon an animal within the Town of Burlington. The terms of this section shall apply to any person who takes in stray or lost animals to care for them, and then chooses to turn them over to the Town or Humane Society, which shall be deemed abandonment.
Any animal found not in the care and control of its owner under the terms of this chapter shall be deemed an at-large animal. The Town and its representatives may take control of such animal, and either hold it at its own facility, or a facility designated by the Wisconsin Humane Society, as circumstances dictate. The Town will ensure proper and humane treatment of such animal under its care. Any person may also bring an at-large animal that is found in the Town of Burlington to the Town for impoundment. The Town does adopt the provisions of sec. 173.13 and .15, Wis. Stats., as it relates to intake and treatment of such animal. Feral cats will be deemed as wild animals and disposed of in a humane manner.
The Town may impound any animal it deems is not being treated in a humane manner, or has been abused or neglected, and either hold it at its own facility, or a facility designated by the Wisconsin Humane Society, as circumstances dictate. The Town may investigate allegations of abuse or neglect, or may turn over such investigation to other, appropriate authorities. The Town will ensure proper and humane treatment of such animal under its care. The Town does adopt the provisions of sec. 173.13 and .15, Wis. Stats., as it relates to intake and treatment of such animal.
A.
The Town will make an attempt to locate and contact the owner of any animal which has been impounded, to the extent reasonable and practicable. The Town may use license information, the Town’s website or Craig’s List in such attempt.
B.
If the owner cannot be located promptly, the animal will be turned over to the Wisconsin Humane Society (usually within 24 hours). If the animal is turned over to the Humane Society, their rules and conditions shall apply to the care, treatment and/or euthanizing the animal.
C.
If the owner picks up the animal, the owner shall be responsible for a fine assessed by resolution of the Town, and any costs associated with the care and control of the animal. If the owner is determined after the Humane Society has taken the animal, the Town may charge the owner for any required payment to the Humane Society, in addition to any fine and costs.
D.
If the Town is required to maintain care of any animal during an investigation of neglect or abuse, the Town may require a deposit of the owner to ensure payment of costs associated with the care of the animal during such investigation. Such deposit will be based on the current cost of care for the animal through the Humane Society for a period sufficient to cover the anticipated time for the investigation. In the event the deposit is not paid, the Town may pursue collection of all costs, in addition to any fine.
Any person found to be in violation of this Chapter may be fined pursuant to Town Resolution, or may otherwise be punished pursuant to State Statute. Any person so convicted shall also be responsible for any costs expended by the Town related to such violation.