Chapter 7.09
IMPOUNDMENT

Sections:

7.09.010    Terms.

7.09.020    Impoundment fees.

7.09.030    Unlawful release of impounded animals—Penalty.

7.09.010 Terms.

A.    Unidentified animals found to be in violation of this title may be impounded and held at the animal control center for a five-day period. If not claimed by the owner or keeper by the expiration of the five-day period, the animal shall become the property of the city and may be destroyed at the discretion of the community service officer or agent.

B.    Identified animals found to be in violation of this title and found not restrained may be taken to the owner or keeper or impounded at the animal control center. A reasonable attempt will be made to notify the owner or keeper by phone, in person, or by letter that their animal is being held at the animal control center. Identified animals not claimed by the owner or keeper by the expiration of the five-day period shall become the property of the city and may be disposed of at the discretion of the community service officer or agent.

C.    Abandoned or unwanted animals brought to the animal control center by citizens for impoundment may or may not be accepted for impoundment by the city. Upon acceptance, such animals shall become the property of the city and may be disposed of at the discretion of the community service officer or agent.

D.    Any animal suspected of having rabies and/or that has bitten a human must be impounded in the animal control center and/or quarantined and disposed of in accordance with Section 7.13.020. (Ord. 03-06 § 1 (part), 2003.)

7.09.020 Impoundment fees.

The owner of an impounded animal shall be subject to a pickup fee plus an impoundment fee and may be subject to additional fines noted in Section 7.16.020. Such fee shall be imposed on a daily basis commencing twenty-four hours after the time of impoundment. Before the animal may be released, the owner or keeper shall pay all fees and fines subject to refund and shall register the animal with the city. (Ord. 03-06 § 1 (part), 2003.)

7.09.030 Unlawful release of impounded animals—Penalty.

It is unlawful for any person to:

A.    Open a vehicle being used to transport animals to the animal control center; open the doors of the animal control center; or open or tamper with the doors of a live trap with the intent of allowing impounded animals to escape; or

B.    Tamper or intentionally, recklessly, or with criminal negligence interfere with equipment or the use of equipment in the performance of any duty under this title. Such person or persons, upon conviction, shall be subject to the penalty established in Chapter 1.20. (Ord. 03-06 § 1 (part), 2003.)