(A) 
Impoundment:
(1) 
Rabies.
The DCO shall impound and quarantine any animal that he has probable cause to believe was exposed to or infected with rabies. Any animal that exhibits symptoms of the rabies virus during quarantine shall be humanely euthanized;
(2) 
Owner's absence:
The DCO shall impound an animal at the request of a peace officer or owner of the property where the animal is located when the owner of the animal has been arrested, hospitalized, is missing, has died, or when the owner is being lawfully evicted from his premises and there is no person present 17 years of age or older who will assume responsibility for the animal;
(3) 
Animal at-large:
The DCO may impound an animal found to be at-large;
(4) 
Dangerous animal.
The DCO shall follow the procedures for impoundment of dangerous animals set forth in subchapter VI of this chapter;
(5) 
Unauthorized possession.
The DCO may impound an animal if the DCO has probable cause to believe the animal is being possessed in violation of local, state, or federal law;
(6) 
Inhumane treatment.
The DCO may impound an animal if the DCO has probable cause to believe the animal has been inhumanely treated as defined by this chapter; or
(7) 
LRCI.
The DCO may impound and quarantine an animal the DCO has probable cause to believe has been involved in a LRCI.
(B) 
Only animals found at-large within the corporate limits of the City may be impounded at the animal shelter.
(C) 
Any person who brings an animal to the animal shelter for impoundment shall provide a government identification and sign any required forms provided by animal services at the time of intake.
(D) 
The animal shelter shall be considered the designated caretaker of an impounded animal immediately upon intake at the shelter. After the expiration of any required holding period, the City shall become the full owner of the animal in question and may dispose of it in accordance with this chapter.
(E) 
The City reserves the right to humanely euthanize any animal immediately to prevent the suffering or further injury of such impounded animal. The City also reserves the right to humanely euthanize any animal which poses a threat to public health and safety.
(F) 
In addition to or in lieu of impounding an animal found at-large, the DCO or his designee may issue to the owner or any person exercising care, custody, or control of such animal a citation for each separate violation of this chapter.
(Ordinance 4287 adopted 11/18/2025)
The DCO and Animal Services Officers of the City are hereby given the power and authority, and it is declared to be their duty, to go upon unenclosed public or private property for the purpose of taking and impounding any animal found at-large thereon or staked out or grazed there contrary to the provisions of this chapter.
(Ordinance 4287 adopted 11/18/2025)
Whenever the DCO or Animal Services Officer finds that an animal is or will be without proper care because of injury, illness, incarceration, or other involuntary absence of the person responsible for the care of such animal, the DCO or Animal Services Officer may impound such animal.
(Ordinance 4287 adopted 11/18/2025)
Any animal impounded or found at-large within the city may be humanely euthanized by the DCO or Animal Service Officer upon determination that such animal is sick or endangers the health of other animals or persons, or if such animal is suspected of having rabies, or manifesting a disposition to bite or attack when found at-large, or as deemed necessary by the DCO.
(Ordinance 4287 adopted 11/18/2025)
(A) 
If an animal is found upon the premises of another person, the occupant of the premises may confine the animal. Within a reasonable time after confining the animal, the occupant shall notify the DCO or Animal Services Officer and shall thereupon release the animal to an Animal Services Officer.
(B) 
Any person confining any domestic animal found at-large or contrary to the provisions of this chapter shall surrender such animal to the DCO or Animal Services Officer upon demand.
(Ordinance 4287 adopted 11/18/2025)
It shall be unlawful for any person, other than an Animal Services Officer of the city or the DCO, or a humane organization approved by the DCO, to engage in the catching or impounding of animals, except as provided in sections 91.014 and 91.040, nor shall any reward be given for such catching or impounding. Any person authorized to catch and impound animals offering a reward of any kind whatsoever, to any person, shall be deemed guilty of violating this chapter.
(Ordinance 4287 adopted 11/18/2025)
(A) 
Redemption.
Except as provided in subchapter VI of this chapter, the owner of any animal delivered to the animal shelter and impounded shall be entitled to reclaim their animal, provided such animal is not infected or thought to be infected with rabies or any other infectious or contagious disease, and upon the payment of all applicable fees, including current pet registration. An animal may be released to the City in lieu of paying applicable animal shelter fees, but the owner shall be responsible for paying owner release fees.
(B) 
Conditions for redemption of animals.
(1) 
Rabies vaccination of the animal is required.
(a) 
For the purposes of this subsection, sufficient proof of an animal's current rabies vaccination shall be either a rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian or verbal or written confirmation of a current rabies vaccination by the licensed veterinarian who administered the vaccination.
(b) 
If the owner cannot prove that the animal has a current rabies vaccination. The owner shall pay a fee to have a rabies vaccination given prior to the release of the animal.
(c) 
If a vaccination cannot be given at the time of the redemption, the owner shall have 10 calendar days to provide written proof of obtaining a current rabies vaccination to animal services.
(d) 
If, in the opinion of a licensed veterinarian, the rabies vaccination should not be given within the 10 calendar day period, the owner must provide a signed statement from the veterinarian stating why the vaccine should be temporarily delayed and when the vaccine may be given. The owner shall provide written proof of the administering of the vaccination to animal services within 48 hours.
(2) 
A microchip implant in the animal is required.
(a) 
If the animal is not already identifiable by microchip, the owner shall pay a fee to have a microchip implanted into the animal prior to release.
(b) 
If a microchip implant cannot occur prior to release, the owner shall have 10 calendar days to provide written proof of a microchip implantation of the animal.
(3) 
Sterilization of the animal required in certain circumstances.
(a) 
Upon an animal's third impound in any 12 month period, the owner shall submit proof that the animal has been sterilized within 30 days of its release. The proof shall be a completed sterilization certification form provided by animal services that is signed by the sterilizing veterinarian. Any owner choosing to have his animal sterilized by animal services prior to redemption may have the impound fee waived and the owner shall pay a sterilization fee and any other applicable fees prior to the animal being returned.
(b) 
Any animal that is impounded a fourth time in any consecutive 12 month period, including any animal subject to the timeframe provided in this subsection, may be sterilized by animal services prior to redemption by the owner. This subsection shall not apply if the animal was at-large due to forces of nature, fire, or the criminal act of a third party who was not residing at the animal owner's residence.
(c) 
Subsection (B)(3)(a) or (b) shall not apply if the owner provides proof that the animal has a current City registration and rabies vaccination. The animal is identified by microchip or visible identification, and one or more of the following conditions is met at the time of impoundment:
1. 
Either the animal is registered with a national registry; or the animal is a sporting dog, livestock dog, or working dog, and the owner was a member of a national breed club, local breed club, or sporting or hunting club;
2. 
The animal was a professionally trained assistance or police service animal; or
3. 
The animal was at-large due to forces of nature, fire, or the criminal act of a third party who was not residing at the animal owner's residence.
(d) 
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as permitting sterilized dogs or cats to run at-large.
(4) 
City registration required.
(a) 
If the owner cannot prove the animal has a current city registration, the owner shall pay a fee to have the animal registered as required by subchapter III of this chapter.
(b) 
If the owner cannot prove the animal has a current rabies vaccination, and a vaccination cannot be given at the time of redemption, the owner shall pay a fee to have the animal registered as required by subchapter III of this chapter and given 10 calendar days to provide written proof of a current rabies vaccination to animal services. The registration shall not be considered valid until the proof of rabies vaccination is provided by the owner.
(5) 
Payment of fees.
The owner must pay all applicable fees before the animal is released.
(6) 
Government identification required.
A government identification of the owner or person reclaiming an animal must be provided before the animal is released.
(7) 
Wild animals.
Impounded wild animals kept in violation of this chapter may not be redeemed and may be placed with a Wildlife Rehabilitator or Wildlife Educational Center or humanely euthanized at the DCO's discretion.
(8) 
A person commits an offense if he fails to provide the proof of rabies vaccination required in this chapter.
(9) 
A person commits an offense if he fails to provide the proof of microchip implantation required in this chapter.
(10) 
A person commits an offense if he fails to provide the proof of sterilization required in this chapter.
(11) 
A person commits an offense if he fails to provide the proof of City registration required in this chapter.
(C) 
The owner of an animal impounded in the animal shelter shall be required to redeem the same in accordance with this section and shall not be permitted to adopt such animal in lieu of paying the applicable fee.
(D) 
Only City residents may release their pets to the animal shelter upon payment of an owner release fee. Additional fees will apply for animals released for euthanasia.
(E) 
It shall be unlawful to remove animals from the animal shelter except in accordance with the procedures established herein and the regulations established by the DCO.
(F) 
Additional cost for impoundment may apply if a special vehicle or special handling equipment is required.
(G) 
The DCO may refuse release of any animal impounded at the animal shelter if it is determined that such owner may not provide sufficient care as set forth in this chapter.
(H) 
Subsection (B) of this section shall not apply if the animal was impounded:
(1) 
For being inhumanely treated as defined in this chapter and a hearing is pending or shall be pending to determine the disposition of the animal;
(2) 
As a dangerous animal as defined in this chapter and a hearing is pending or shall be pending to determine the disposition of the animal; or
(3) 
For investigation of rabies and the quarantine period has not expired.
(Ordinance 4287 adopted 11/18/2025)
(A) 
Time limits.
(1) 
Impounded animals with no means of traceable identification shall be kept for not less than three calendar days, unless earlier reclaimed by the owner or the owner's agent or humanely euthanized as allowed by this chapter.
(2) 
Animals with any type of traceable identification shall be kept for not less than 10 calendar days, or not less than three calendar days from the time the owner is notified, whichever is the shorter time period, unless earlier reclaimed by the owner or the owner's agent or humanely euthanized as allowed by this chapter.
(3) 
An animal impounded at the request of a peace officer or property owner as required by section 91.036(A)(2) of this chapter shall be kept for not less than 10 calendar days unless earlier reclaimed by the owner or the owner's agent or humanely euthanized as allowed by this chapter.
(4) 
An impoundment period is not required for an animal voluntarily surrendered or released to the city by its owner.
(5) 
An impoundment period is not required for any wild animal.
(B) 
Injured, unweaned, or diseased animals.
(1) 
Any impounded animal, registered or unregistered, which appears to be suffering from serious bodily injury or disease and which is in great pain or suffering and probably will not recover or which appears to have an infectious disease which is a danger to humans or to other animals may be humanely euthanized.
(2) 
Any animal that is not displaying any type of identification and which due to its violent or undomesticated nature poses a substantial risk of bodily injury to the safety of City staff may be humanely euthanized.
(3) 
Any unweaned animal impounded without the mother or where the mother cannot or refuses to provide nutritious meals may be transferred to a foster home for temporary care, transferred to a releasing agency for care and placement, or humanely euthanized to prevent suffering.
(C) 
After the expiration of any required impoundment period or immediately after being voluntarily released by its owner, the animal shall become the property of the City, all ownership rights for the animal shall transfer to the City, and the City may dispose of the animal by any of the following methods, taking into consideration factors that may include, but not be limited to, the animal's behavior, aggressive tendencies, undomesticated characteristics, health, and housing space availability, within the sole discretion of the DCO.
(1) 
Adoption.
(a) 
Animal services shall be authorized to place for adoption dogs, cats, and other domestic animals impounded by the City under the following conditions:
1. 
Animal services shall evaluate all animals to determine if it is an adoption candidate, based on its health, temperament, and appropriateness for vaccination. Authorization to place a dog, cat, or other domestic animal for adoption shall not constitute a warranty of the health, temperament, or age of the animal.
2. 
There will be an adoption fee for all dogs, cats, and domestic animals at an amount set by Chapter 31 of the Code of Ordinances. The fee will include the cost of sterilization, vaccination, implantation of a microchip, and licensing.
3. 
All animals adopted from animal services shall be implanted with a microchip, vaccinated against rabies according to state guidelines, and sterilized prior to adoption.
4. 
If, in the opinion of a licensed veterinarian, there is a legitimate health risk justifying the delay of sterilization, the person adopting the animal must sign a contract stating the dates by which the animal shall be sterilized. The owner shall provide written proof to animal services of the completed sterilization within 48 hours of the procedure. Failure to comply with the terms of the contract shall constitute a violation of this section.
5. 
Animals under the age of four months shall be adopted only if the adopter signs a contract specifying the dates by which the animal shall be sterilized and vaccinated for rabies. The owner shall provide written proof to animal services of the completed sterilization and vaccination within 48 hours of the procedure. Failure to comply with the terms of the contract shall constitute a violation of this section.
(b) 
If an adopted animal dies on or before the sterilization completion date, the adopting person must provide written documentation to animal services that the animal has died.
(c) 
If an adopted animal is lost or stolen before the sterilization date, the adopting person must provide written documentation to animal services stating that the animal is lost or stolen and a copy of the police report, if any, of the theft. In order to be sufficient, the letter shall be delivered to animal services not later than the seventh calendar day after the date of the animal's disappearance and shall describe the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and the date of disappearance.
(2) 
Transfer to releasing agency or foster care.
(a) 
Animal services may transfer ownership of the animal to a releasing agency approved by the DCO, provided that the group sterilizes and microchips the animal prior to placing it into an adoptive home.
(b) 
Animal services may temporarily place the animal in a foster home that has a signed Foster Agreement on file with the City.
(3) 
Euthanasia.
Animal services may humanely euthanize the animal due to the animal's health or temperament, space limitations, or as otherwise deemed necessary by the DCO.
(D) 
All decisions related to the disposition of an animal pursuant to subsection (C) shall be made at the sole discretion of the DCO unless otherwise mandated by law or a court order.
(Ordinance 4287 adopted 11/18/2025)
(A) 
A person who desires to adopt an animal from the City shall:
(1) 
Pay the adoption fee for each animal adopted;
(2) 
Provide a government identification;
(3) 
Sign all required documentation provided by animal services; and
(4) 
If the pet is over the age of four months, the person shall submit proof within 30 days from the adoption date that the pet is vaccinated for rabies and is spayed or neutered.
(B) 
Animals under the age of four months shall be adopted only if the adopter signs a contract specifying the dates by which the animal shall be spayed or neutered and vaccinated for rabies. Failing to comply with the terms of the adoption contract shall constitute a violation of this section.
(C) 
Failure of an adopter to comply with the terms outlined in this section shall result in the refusal by the DCO to release the adopted animal still in the possession of the animal shelter.
(D) 
The DCO reserves the right to refuse to adopt any animal if the adoption may create a risk to the animal's health and safety. The DCO has the sole authority for making such determinations.