Chapter 7.20
IMPOUNDMENT

Sections:

7.20.010    Animals subject to impoundment.

7.20.015    A ledger of all impounded animals.

7.20.020    Dogs and cats – Minimum impoundment period.

7.20.030    Notification of owner – Redemption fee.

7.20.040    Unclaimed animals – Sale or destruction.

7.20.045    Altering of all sold or given-away animals.

7.20.050    Animal found at large – Penalty.

7.20.060    Hindering officers unlawful.

7.20.090    Immobilizing gun use authorized.

7.20.100    Maximum dogs and cats per residence.

7.20.010 Animals subject to impoundment.

If any animal is not licensed or is not restrained, or is a public nuisance as defined in OHMC 7.04.070, such animal may be taken by the animal control officer or by a police officer and impounded in the animal shelter and there be confined. (Ord. 1858 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1710 § 5, 2015; Ord. 639 § 6, 1983; Ord. 401 § 6, 1974).

7.20.015 A ledger of all impounded animals.

A ledger of all impounded animals shall be kept by the animal control officer. All impounded animals shall be sequentially numbered, described by animal type, sex, breed, altered or unaltered, and any distinguishing features of the animal. They shall be entered into this ledger immediately upon their impoundment. Final disposition of the impounded animal and all spaying and neutering through the Voluntary Veterinary Program shall also be recorded in this ledger. This ledger shall be available for inspection at any time during the hours the pound is open. (Ord. 1858 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1710 § 5, 2015; Ord. 918 § 7, 1992).

7.20.020 Dogs and cats – Minimum impoundment period.

Impounded dogs and cats shall be kept in the pound for not more than five calendar working days. (Ord. 1858 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1710 § 5, 2015; Ord. 639 § 7, 1983; Ord. 401 § 6, 1974).

7.20.030 Notification of owner – Redemption fee.

If, by a license tag, the owner of an impounded animal can be identified, the animal control officer shall attempt to notify the owner by telephone within 48 hours. It shall, however, be the entire responsibility of the animal owner to ascertain his/her animal has been impounded. An owner before reclaiming an impounded animal shall pay a fee per the master fee schedule adopted by resolution of the city council for the impoundment, plus a boarding fee per the master fee schedule adopted by resolution of the city council for each calendar day the animal has been impounded. That fee will increase for each subsequent impoundment for any animal with the same owner. Impound fees for dogs shall cover a period of 24 hours (from the time of impoundment); one minute after said time period an additional fee for each calendar day shall be added per the master fee schedule adopted by resolution of the city council. If the impounded animal is unlicensed and its owner has been a resident for over 60 days, the owner shall pay a fine over and above the impoundment fees. The owner shall be required to license the animal at time of reclaiming his/her animal.

All fees shall be in the master fee schedule adopted by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 1858 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1710 § 5, 2015; Ord. 1696 § 60, 2014; Ord. 1065 § 3, 1996; Ord. 918 § 8, 1992; Ord. 639 § 8, 1983; Ord. 401 § 6, 1974).

7.20.040 Unclaimed animals – Sale or destruction.

Any animal not reclaimed by its owner within five calendar working days may be transferred to local animal shelter for adoption and/or placement. The animal may be destroyed prior to the five days if the animal is deemed sick or hurt. The opinion of a veterinarian should determine the condition of the animal. (Ord. 1858 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1710 § 5, 2015; Ord. 918 § 9, 1992; Ord. 639 § 9, 1983; Ord. 401 § 6, 1974).

7.20.045 Altering of all sold or given-away animals.

All animals sold or given away shall be spayed/neutered at the expense of the new owner prior to leaving the control holding facility. (Ord. 1858 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1710 § 5, 2015; Ord. 918 § 10, 1992).

7.20.050 Animal found at large – Penalty.

In addition to, or in lieu of, impounding an animal found at large, the owner may be subject to a Class 1 infraction as defined in Chapter 1.28 OHMC. (Ord. 1858 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1710 § 5, 2015; Ord. 639 § 10, 1983; Ord. 401 § 6, 1974).

7.20.060 Hindering officers unlawful.

It is unlawful for any person or persons to prevent or hinder the animal control officer or police officer engaged in performing his duties pursuant to this title. (Ord. 1858 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1710 § 5, 2015; Ord. 401 § 6, 1974).

7.20.090 Immobilizing gun use authorized.

The animal control officer or police officer may have in his possession an immobilizing gun to be used at his discretion for restraining any animal that cannot be taken in the usual manner. (Ord. 1858 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1710 § 5, 2015; Ord. 401 § 6, 1974).

7.20.100 Maximum dogs and cats per residence.

No person shall permit more than three dogs or cats over the age of four months in or on any residence in the city of Oak Harbor. (Ord. 1858 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1710 § 5, 2015; Ord. 639 § 12, 1983).