Chapter 7.21
IMPOUNDMENT

Sections:

7.21.010  Grounds for impoundment.

7.21.020  Place and manner of impoundment.

7.21.030  Notice to owner.

7.21.040  Redemption of animals.

7.21.050  Disposition of unredeemed animals.

7.21.010  Grounds for impoundment.

Animals may be impounded in the following situations:

A. When the animal is off the premises of its owner or keeper and not under the physical restraint, voice or signal control of its owner, keeper or other authorized adult person;

B. If the animal is an adult dog and it has no license tag;

C. If the animal is a dog and it has an expired license tag and the date is February 1st or later;

D. When the animal has been subject to cruel treatment;

E. When the animal has injured or bitten a person or other animal, or when the animal poses a continuing threat to people or other animals. (Ord. 2151 § 1 (part), 2005: Ord. 1969 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 1848 § 33, 1995: Ord. 1683 § 9 (part), 1989).

7.21.020  Place and manner of impoundment.

Animals shall be impounded in the place and manner designated by the Lewis County animal shelter. (Ord. 2151 § 1 (part), 2005: Ord. 1969 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 1683 § 9 (part), 1989).

7.21.030  Notice to owner.

Following impoundment the city shall make reasonable efforts to notify the owner or keeper of the animal of its impoundment. (Ord. 2151 § 1 (part), 2005: Ord. 1969 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 1683 § 9 (part), 1989).

7.21.040  Redemption of animals.

A. Animals other than livestock may be redeemed on payment of an impound fee of sixty dollars for the first impound, one hundred twenty dollars for the second impound and subsequent impounds of the same animal which includes a handling fee. Appropriate license fees shall be collected at time of redemption.

B. Livestock may be redeemed on payment of a one-hundred-dollar impound fee, boarding fee of twenty-five dollars per day or portion thereof, and, if impounding required special transportation, one hundred dollars for such special transportation. (Ord. 2151 § 1 (part), 2005: Ord. 1969 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 1683 § 9 (part), 1989).

7.21.050  Disposition of unredeemed animals.

A. When an animal other than livestock is not redeemed, no sooner than seventy-two hours following impoundment the animal shelter may give or sell the animal to a qualified person, euthanize, or otherwise dispose of the animal.

B. When livestock is not redeemed, no sooner than ninety-six hours following impoundment the animal shelter may commence to sell the animal at public auction. Notice of the auction and a description of the livestock to be auctioned shall be published at least five days prior to the sale in the official city newspaper. Such notice shall also be mailed to the owner of the livestock, if known. Cost of publication, the auction and the costs of impoundment shall be deducted from the proceeds of the sale. The balance shall be remitted to the owner, if known. Otherwise it shall be deposited with the city clerk.

C. Sick or injured animals may be euthanized or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of any redemption period if such is in furtherance of the public health or necessary to prevent unnecessary suffering. When reasonably possible, the owner or keeper shall be notified prior to any such disposition. (Ord. 2151 § 1 (part), 2005: Ord. 1969 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 1683 § 9 (part), 1989).