Chapter 6.15
IMPOUNDMENT

Sections:

6.15.010    Animals subject to impoundment.

6.15.020    Disposition of impounded animals.

6.15.030    Release of impounded animals.

6.15.040    Owner liability for fees.

6.15.010 Animals subject to impoundment.

Any animal that constitutes a public nuisance, as defined herein, or that is suspected of having rabies, or that is removed pursuant to the protective custody provisions of Chapter 6.30 SMC shall be taken into custody by the Department of Animal Protection and humanely impounded in an animal shelter. [Ord. 03-2017-06].

6.15.020 Disposition of impounded animals.

(a) Immediately upon impounding a licensed animal, the Director of Animal Protection shall cause notice of such action made known to the owner or person responsible for that animal either by personal contact, telephone or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner’s last known address as indicated on the most recent license application. If verbal notice of impoundment is given within 72 hours of impoundment to the owner, or another person of suitable age and discretion who resides with the owner, notice by certified mail shall not be necessary.

(b) In no event shall any animal be disposed of prior to expiration of 72 hours after mailed or verbal notice has been given in the manner provided in subsection (a) of this section, or in the event the owner is unknown, expiration of 72 hours after impoundment; provided, however, such animal may be disposed of at any time pursuant to the direction or authorization of State or other health authorities or in the event that the animal becomes sick or is injured and the Director of Animal Protection and/or a licensed veterinarian feel that, in the best interest of the animal, euthanasia is necessary.

(c) Any animal not reclaimed by its owner within the time established in subsection (b) of this section may be placed for adoption or humanely euthanized. [Ord. 03-2017-06].

6.15.030 Release of impounded animals.

(a) Except for release for immunization as provided for in subsection (b) of this section, an impounded animal shall not be released until the animal and its owner or responsible person are in compliance with all the provisions of this title applicable to the impounded animal.

(b) When an impounded animal is required to be vaccinated for rabies under this title, the owner or person responsible must produce a valid rabies certificate for the impounded animal before it will be released, except that upon receipt of an immunization deposit, an impounded animal that is otherwise eligible for release may be released in order to be immunized. Upon proof that the animal has been immunized within five calendar days of release, the City shall refund the immunization deposit. [Ord. 03-2017-06].

6.15.040 Owner liability for fees.

(a) An owner reclaiming an impounded animal shall, prior to reclamation, pay all fees and subsistence costs incurred by such animal for care, custody, impoundment, and all other fees and charges as fixed by resolution of the City Council and in accordance with this title.

(b) The owner of an impounded animal shall remain personally liable for all impoundment and subsistence fees, even if the owner abandons the animal to the animal control officer, and the animal is adopted by another or euthanized. [Ord. 03-2017-06].