Chapter 6.11
IMPOUND PROCEDURES
Sections:
6.11.010 Impounding authorized.
6.11.020 Notification of owner after impounding.
6.11.030 Requirements for holding of animals after notification.
6.11.040 Redemption of impounded animals.
6.11.050 Disposition of animals.
6.11.010 Impounding authorized.
The animal control officer may impound any animal under the following conditions:
A. Any dog or cat that has been humanely trapped as provided for in SMC 6.04.060.
B. Any animal found in violation of the provisions of this title if the owner is unknown, or if known, if the owner is not readily available.
C. Any animal neglected or abandoned by its owner.
D. Any animal that is sick or injured and the owner is not present or able to take charge of the animal.
E. Any animal remaining at the scene of a crime or accident and the owner has been incarcerated or hospitalized.
F. Any animal seized by the court.
G. Any potentially dangerous or dangerous dog, inherently dangerous mammal, or inherently dangerous reptile found in violation of the provisions of this title.
H. Any inherently dangerous mammal or inherently dangerous reptile which has inflicted a bite or is found running at large. (Ord. 99-007)
6.11.020 Notification of owner after impounding.
The animal control officer upon impounding an animal shall make a complete record, entering the description of each animal. If the owner of the animal is known or if the animal is identifiable by license or other identification, the shelter office shall attempt to notify the owner within 48 hours by service or posting of notice that his/her animal has been impounded and where it may be redeemed. The reading of a license tag or scanning for a microchip shall constitute reasonable attempts to identify the animal. The city or animal shelter shall not be liable for the failure of a scanner to detect the presence of a microchip. (Ord. 99-007)
6.11.030 Requirements for holding of animals after notification.
A. If the owner is known, the animal shall be held at least 96 hours after the attempt to notify is accomplished.
B. If the owner is unknown, the animal shall be held at least 72 hours after the time of impound.
C. If the animal has been impounded pursuant to a quarantine and has not been found to be suffering from rabies, the animal shall be held at least 72 hours after the end of the quarantine period and examination by a licensed veterinarian. (Ord. 99-007)
6.11.040 Redemption of impounded animals.
In addition to other fees required by this chapter, persons redeeming animals must pay fees as required for impound, transportation, boarding, vaccination, veterinary care, licensing, and adoption.
A. Any dog or cat impounded pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 6.04 SMC may be redeemed by the owner or other authorized person upon payment of the impound fees and costs as set forth in SMC 6.16.030. The owner or other authorized person redeeming an unlicensed dog over the age of six months shall pay twice (two times) the license fee, any late penalty fee if applicable, a $25.00 deposit for animals for which rabies vaccinations are not current. The deposit will be refunded when the animal is vaccinated and proof of vaccination is presented to the shelter officer.
B. Prior to redemption of a dog that has been declared dangerous, the owner shall present proof of insurance coverage or bonding, notices, registration and the existence of a proper enclosure. (Ord. 99-007)
6.11.050 Disposition of animals.
A. Animals redeemed within the time periods as set forth in SMC 6.11.030 may be adopted, or humanely destroyed by euthanasia at the discretion of the shelter officer except those animals known to have bitten or which have been found dangerous or potentially dangerous shall not be adopted. Livestock not redeemed within the time limits may also be sold; provided, that no such animals will be adopted, sold, or destroyed if the owner is known to be physically or mentally incapacitated due to injury or serious illness and therefore incapable of handling his/her affairs.
B. Upon receipt of written permission from the owner, animals may be adopted or humanely destroyed by euthanasia without regards to the holding periods outlined in SMC 6.11.030.
C. Any animal, as may be determined by the shelter officer or licensed veterinarian, to be suffering from serious injury or disease may be humanely destroyed by euthanasia.
D. Any animal, as may be determined by the shelter officer, to be feral may be humanely destroyed by euthanasia.
E. Any previously declared dangerous dog that has bitten shall be humanely destroyed by euthanasia after the quarantine period.
F. Inherently dangerous animals and/or inherently dangerous reptiles which have bitten or have been found running at large shall be humanely destroyed by euthanasia or transferred to a suitably licensed facility such as a zoo. (Ord. 99-007)
6.11.060 Fees and payment.
Housing fees shall be established by the director for each animal. Such fees shall include all costs of housing such animals regardless of whether such costs are incurred at a city-owned or operated facility, a contracted facility, or by a private person or facility. (Ord. 99-007)