§ 10-6. Taking up and impoundment of dogs.

(a)

When a dog appears to be in violation of this article, the sheriff or his representative has the authority to take steps toward impounding said dog. The impoundment shall be in an animal shelter, as defined in section 10-1.

(b)

Impounded dogs shall be kept for not fewer than five working days unless reclaimed or suspected of being infected with rabies.

(c)

The ACO shall attempt to return the dog running at large to the owner. The ACO shall impound the dog if the owner cannot be located.

(d)

An owner reclaiming an impounded dog shall pay an impound fee of $15.00 to the contracting impound facility. Said owner shall be responsible for restitution of food, shelter and veterinary costs incurred by the retrieved dog as ordered by the misdemeanor court.

(e)

The animal shelter facility director shall keep complete and accurate records of the care, feeding, veterinary treatment, and disposition of all dogs impounded at the shelter by the county, including restitution which may be owed.

(f)

Any dog not reclaimed by its owner within five working days shall become the property of the animal shelter and shall be placed for adoption in a suitable home or humanely euthanized by sodium pentobarbital, FP-3, or cooled and bottled carbon monoxide only by certified personnel.

(Code 1993, § 10-6; Ord. No. 97-42, art. 5, 7-10-1997)