§ 14-5. Impoundment generally; violation notice in lieu of impoundment; redemption of impounded animals.

(a)

Any unrestrained dog or any animal defined as a public nuisance by this chapter may be taken by the police or supervisor of animal health and public safety and impounded in the animal shelter or at a designated holding place and be there confined in a humane manner pending further action pursuant to this chapter or other law. If an owner or keeper is present, in lieu of impoundment a general ordinance summons may be issued to that person and such person may retain possession of the animal if it is the belief of the officer issuing such summons that such possession is not in conflict with any other section of this chapter.

(b)

Whenever any animal is confined by authority of this chapter, it shall be the duty of the supervisor of animal health and public safety to release the animal upon satisfactory proof that the party claiming the animal is entitled to possession thereof and upon payment to the city treasurer of all applicable fees prescribed by section 14-35 and the fee for any license that may be required by this chapter. However, if an animal is deemed to be vicious or a danger to the public health and safety, the supervisor of animal health and public safety may retain such animal and refuse redemption or sale of such animal, and dispose of such animal in a humane fashion.

(c)

In addition, if the supervisor has evidence which indicates that a person has abused or neglected the animal or has been convicted of animal abuse or severe neglect, or more than three other animal violations, within a five-year period, the supervisor may refuse to redeem a pet to such a person based on his or her being an unfit owner.

(d)

The supervisor of animal health and public safety shall humanely euthanize any impounded animal if it is determined by a licensed veterinarian that the animal is diseased or disabled beyond recovery for any useful purpose.

(e)

The owner or custodian or any person claiming an interest in any animal that has been impounded in accordance with this chapter may prevent disposition of the animal by posting bond or security in an amount sufficient to provide for the animal's care and keeping for at least thirty days, inclusive of the date on which the animal was taken into custody. Notwithstanding the fact that bond may be posted pursuant to this subsection, the animal control supervisor may humanely dispose of the animal at the end of the time for which expenses are covered by the bond or security, unless there is a court order prohibiting such disposition. The supervisor of animal health and public safety shall give notice of the provisions of this section by posting a copy of this section at the place where the animal was taken into custody or by delivering it to a person residing on the property.

(Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 6.5; Ord. No. 48707, 6-22-78; Ord. No. 65201, 3-1-90; Ord. No. 060086, § 1, 2-2-06; Ord. No. 060775, § 1, 8-3-06)