Chapter 6.10
IMPOUNDING GENERALLY
Sections:
6.10.010 Impounding of animals at large.
6.10.020 Notice to owners of impoundment.
6.10.030 Report of impounded animals.
6.10.040 Conditions and duration of impoundment.
6.10.050 Redemption of impounded animals.
6.10.060 Adoption of unredeemed animals.
6.10.070 Disposition of unredeemed or unadopted animals.
6.10.080 Impeding enforcement.
6.10.010 Impounding of animals at large.
It shall be the duty of the police department to impound all dogs and cats found at large in the streets, alleys or other public places or unimproved lots in the town or not in the charge or under the care or control of some person. (Ord. 18-23 § 2, 2018; prior code § 7-2-1)
6.10.020 Notice to owners of impoundment.
If the owner of any dog or cat impounded shall be known to the police department and shall reside or have a known business in the town, a member of the police department may attempt to notify the owner of such animal if possible. (Ord. 18-23 § 2, 2018; prior code § 7-2-2)
6.10.030 Report of impounded animals.
The police department shall, within 24 hours after impounding a dog or cat, make a report stating the kind of dog or cat and describing it in color or otherwise or by any marks or brands that may be on it, and when it was impounded. Each report shall be maintained at the animal shelter or police department record storage area for not less than six months. (Ord. 18-23 § 2, 2018; Ord. 01-011 § 6, 2001; prior code § 7-2-3)
6.10.040 Conditions and duration of impoundment.
The police department shall provide for the keeping of all dogs and cats impounded in a safe, convenient and comfortable place within or conveniently near the town limits and shall feed and water such animals once every 24 hours and treat them in a humane manner during the time they are impounded, which shall not be less than five working days, unless claimed sooner by the owner, or unless the animal is diseased. The five-day period shall start once the animal has been impounded. (Ord. 18-23 § 2, 2018; prior code § 7-2-4)
6.10.050 Redemption of impounded animals.
If the owner of a dog or cat shall within five working days after such animal has been impounded, apply to the police department and pay the fees and charges provided by this chapter, the police department shall return said animal to the rightful owner. (Ord. 18-23 § 2, 2018; prior code § 7-2-5)
6.10.060 Adoption of unredeemed animals.
A. Any dog or cat impounded under the provisions of this chapter which has not been claimed and the fees and charges have not been paid by the owner within five days, may be released for adoption, based upon its suitability, as determined by the animal control officer or his designee.
B. Any party adopting a dog and/or cat pursuant to this section shall abide by the requirements established in Section 6.10.090.
C. Any cat shall be eligible for adoption when deemed appropriate by the animal control officer. The town shall collect a fee for each dog or cat adopted. (Ord. 18-23 § 2, 2018; Ord. 01-011 § 7, 2001; Ord. 90-09, 1990; prior code § 7-2-6)
6.10.070 Disposition of unredeemed or unadopted animals.
Any animal unredeemed or not adopted after the appropriate detention period as provided in this chapter may be disposed of in a manner provided by law. (Ord. 18-23 § 2, 2018; prior code § 7-2-7)
6.10.080 Impeding enforcement.
It is unlawful for any person in any manner to intervene, impede, prevent, obstruct or intimidate any member of the police department in the discharge of his/her duties in impounding or attempting to impound any dog or cat. It shall be illegal to rescue or attempt to rescue any dog or cat so taken up or to release any dog or cat so impounded or trapped in a live cage. Violations of this section are criminal and shall be penalized as provided in Section 6.20.040(B). (Ord. 18-23 § 2, 2018; Ord. 01-011 § 8, 2001; prior code § 7-2-8)
6.10.090 Sterilization.
A. Any person adopting a dog and/or cat shall be entitled to a rebate provided the adopted animal is sterilized within the established time frame.
B. Adopted animals shall be sterilized within 30 days of the adoption date, or within 30 days from the date the animal reaches the spay/neuter age, or on a date set by a veterinarian.
C. Any person adopting an animal shall be required to complete and fully execute the spay/neuter certificate. The failure of an adopting party to comply with the terms of this certificate shall result in forfeiture of the rebate funds to the town, and may require return of the adopted animal.
D. It shall be the responsibility of the adopting party to contact a veterinarian for an appointment and deliver the animal to the veterinarian on that date. The veterinarian may disqualify the animal from surgery if he or she finds medical contraindications for surgery such as estrus, pregnancy or medical disorders. If the date for sterilization must be changed due to medical contraindications, the certificate may be altered with the consent of the veterinarian and the animal control officer or his/her designee. Upon completion, the certificate shall be completed by the veterinarian who performed the sterilization.
E. The adopting party shall reclaim the animal following surgery as directed by the veterinarian. Failure to comply will result in a charge for extra board; unclaimed animals may be declared abandoned.
F. The adopting party shall return the completed certificate to the town for a rebate.
G. The spay/neuter certificate shall require the adopting party to hold harmless and defend the town of Huachuca City, its officers and employees from any loss, injury or damages arising out of or in connection with services of this program.
H. Penalties for violations of this section shall be as provided in Section 6.20.040(A). (Ord. 18-23 § 2, 2018; Ord. 01-011 § 9, 2001; Ord. 90-09, 1990; prior code § 7-2-12)