Chapter 6.15
IMPOUNDMENT

Sections:

6.15.010    Impoundment authority.

6.15.020    Unlawfully removing animals from shelter.

6.15.010 Impoundment authority.

A. The animal control officer may seize and impound, subject to this chapter, any animal, whether domesticated or undomesticated, found in violation of this chapter within the Village, whether such animal shall be in the immediate presence of its owner or responsible party or otherwise. All animal control officers shall have the authority to pursue animals beyond the Village limits and may impound any animal and issue summons to any person in violation of this chapter or in response to a complaint. In lieu of impoundment, a citation may be issued to the owner. Such citation shall carry the same fine schedule as impoundment.

B. Right of Entry. Subject to constitutional limitations, the animal control officers, in performance of their duties, are authorized to enter upon private property, but not into the residence, for the purpose of apprehending loose or stray animals they are pursuing.

C. Registry. The animal control officer, upon impounding or receiving any animal under this chapter, shall make a complete registry of such animal, entering the breed, color, and sex of the animal; whether the animal has been vaccinated against rabies; and the time and place of taking such animal into custody.

D. Notice to Owner. If by rabies license, tag, or other means the owner of an impounded animal can be identified, the animal shelter personnel shall immediately upon impoundment notify the owner by telephone or mail.

E. Right to Redeem. The owner of any animal which has been impounded under this chapter shall have the right to redeem the animal upon the payment of any and all fees which may be due and payable for the impoundment of such animal; provided, that the payment of such impoundment fees shall not bar the imposition of any fine that may be imposed for the violation of this chapter.

F. Time for Redemption.

1. Unlicensed Animals. All unlicensed impounded animals shall be redeemed within 72 hours after impoundment. Any such animal not redeemed within the period set forth will become the property of the animal shelter.

2. Licensed Animals. All licensed impounded dogs and cats shall be redeemed within 72 hours after impoundment. Any such animal not redeemed within the period set forth will become the property of the animal shelter.

G. Fines and Fees.

1. Fines shall be imposed for the impoundment or citation of any animal under this chapter.

2. Whenever any animal is impounded, an additional fee as determined by the animal shelter and an administrative fee shall be charged for each day or fraction thereof of impoundment for feeding and caring for such animal, and the fees will be paid to the animal shelter.

H. Redemption of Unvaccinated Animal. The owner of any impounded dog or cat that has not been licensed as required by this chapter may redeem the animal by paying for the rabies vaccination plus impoundment charges at the animal shelter. The owner will be allowed 96 hours to get such animal vaccinated. If such owner fails to procure a vaccination certificate within such 96 hours, the paid vaccination fee shall be forfeited and the animal shall be impounded again. [Ord. 241 § 7-1-22, 2007].

6.15.020 Unlawfully removing animals from shelter.

It shall be unlawful for any person to break open the animal shelter or any place where animals are impounded under this chapter or to remove or in any manner assist in the removal of any animal from such pound, without first having paid the cost as provided in this chapter, or to hinder, delay, obstruct or interfere with any officer performing the officer’s duty under this chapter. [Ord. 241 § 7-1-23, 2007; Ord. 34 § 1, 1916].