Chapter 6.38
IMPOUNDING ANIMALS
Sections:
6.38.020 Impounding procedures.
6.38.038 Redemption of animals by owner.
6.38.050 Disposition of impounded animals.
6.38.060 Dangerous or sick animals.
6.38.010 Authority.
If the animal control authority has probable cause to believe that an owner of an animal has violated this chapter the animal control authority may seize and impound any animal or take any other action authorized by law to restrain or protect any animal or person. The department or animal control may issue a citation to the owner of any animal impounded because it is in violation of this chapter. Impoundment shall not be considered a condition precedent to issuance of a citation. (Ord. 1105 § 2 (part), 2004)
6.38.020 Impounding procedures.
Whenever any animal is impounded, the animal control authority shall deliver the animal to a holding facility designated by the city. Animals exhibiting a current license tag shall be held ten days from the time of impoundment before any disposition may be made of such animal; provided however, that litters of kittens or puppies, brought in as abandoned, may be disposed of immediately at the discretion of the animal control authority. (Ord. 1105 § 2 (part), 2004)
6.38.030 Notice of impound.
Whenever any animal licensed under this chapter is impounded, reasonable efforts will be made to give notice of the impoundment to the owner by telephone or written notice mailed to the last known address of the owner. The owner has the entire responsibility to ascertain whether his/her animal was impounded and to take appropriate measures to retrieve the animal. The department or animal control authority impounding such animal shall inform the owner of the impound and reason for impounding the animal. Neither the city, the department nor its officers, employees or agents shall be held responsible for failing to notify an animal owner of impoundment under this chapter. (Ord. 1105 § 2 (part), 2004)
6.38.038 Redemption of animals by owner.
Prior to claiming an animal from the city, or from a shelter contracted by the city, the owner is required to establish proof of ownership. If the owner of an impounded animal claims it before disposal by the city, he shall be entitled to possession upon payment of all legal charges and expenses incidental to such impoundment; provided, however, dangerous animals shall not be released to the owner except pursuant to a legal order. A person redeeming an animal shall provide satisfactory proof that he has a valid license for the animal (if applicable) and shall pay all applicable fees and costs. The owner of livestock shall be entitled to possession upon payment of the cost of boarding the animal(s) in accordance with the rate established by the stockyard used for holding such animal(s). (Ord. 1154 § 1 (part), 2006: Ord. 1105 § 2 (part), 2004)
6.38.050 Disposition of impounded animals.
For the purposes of this section, “disposition” means sale or humane killing of an animal. If an animal is impounded and no identification accompanies the animal at the expiration of three business days from impoundment; or if an animal is impounded and identification accompanies the animal at the expiration of ten business days after impoundment, the department may sell the impounded animal for a sum not less than the cost and expense of picking up, keeping and selling the animal plus any required license fee. Any animal not retrieved by the owner or sold by the city within the time limits established by this section may be euthanized. The department shall not be liable for damages arising from the disposition of any animal. (Ord. 1105 § 2 (part), 2004)
6.38.060 Dangerous or sick animals.
The department or animal control authority may kill any dangerous animal which is running at large, and cannot in the judgment of the department or the animal control authority be safely impounded. Injured or sick animals may be euthanized when consistent with the professional judgment of a licensed veterinarian or animal control authority. The department nor animal control authority shall not be liable for damages arising from the destruction of such animals. (Ord. 1105 § 2 (part), 2004)
6.38.070 Impounding fees.
The department shall charge fees for impounding and care of animals under this chapter provided in the city’s most current fee schedule. (Ord. 1105 § 2 (part), 2004)