§ 6-28. Impoundment.

(a)

Subject to the other provisions of this article, it shall be the duty of the animal wardens and police officers to seize and impound in the city pound any dog found in the city in violation of any provision of this article or in violation of any state law relating to dogs. The officer so impounding a dog shall make a complete registry, entering the breed, color and sex of the dog and whether or not it is licensed. If licensed, the officer shall enter the name and address of the owner and the number of the license tag. Licensed dogs shall be separated from unlicensed dogs at the pound. The officer impounding a dog shall exercise reasonable diligence to ascertain the name of the owner of the dog and, if such owner is found, the officer shall promptly notify him of such impounding.

(b)

Every dog impounded under the provisions of this article shall be kept and disposed of as follows:

(1)

If the owner of the dog is known and such owner appears within five (5) days and claims the same, and establishes to the satisfaction of the person in charge of the pound that such dog has been vaccinated as required by this chapter, the dog shall be delivered to such owner upon proof of payment of any required licensed tax on the dog, payment to the city of the expense of impounding and keeping the dog at the rate prescribed by the city council and payment of any fine and costs assessed against such owner.

(2)

If the owner of the dog is unknown and no person claims the dog, as owner, within five (5) days, the person in charge of the pound may deliver the dog to any person or agency in the city who will insure the vaccination of the dog, if required, and pay any required license tax on the dog and pay to the city the expense of impounding and keeping the dog at the rate prescribed by the council, with the understanding, however, that should the legal owner thereafter claim the dog and prove his ownership, he may recover the dog by paying to the person to whom it was delivered the amount of all charges paid by such person under this section, together with a reasonable charge for the keep of the dog while in his possession.

(3)

If any dog is not disposed of under paragraphs (1) or (2) above within five (5) days from the impounding of the dog, the person in charge of the pound may deliver such dog to any hospital or reputable institution of learning for research purpose in the study of prevention of diseases or the betterment of mankind; otherwise, it shall be the duty of the person in charge of the pound to dispose of such dog by humanely killing it.

(c)

No dog shall be released from the city pound, except pursuant to subsection (b)(3) of this section, until it is shown to the satisfaction of the person in charge of the pound that such dog has been properly licensed and vaccinated as provided for in this chapter, such licensing and vaccination to be at the expense of the owner or claimant of such dog.

(Code 1956, Tit. XXI, Ch. 2, § 15; Ord. No. 23033, § 2, 6-23-76)

Charter reference— Authority of city to provide for the impoundment, destruction or disposition of animals found running at large or raised or kept in violation of ordinance, § 2(19).

(Code 1956, Tit. XXI, Ch. 2, § 15; Ord. No. 23033, § 2, 6-23-76)

Charter reference

Authority of city to provide for the impoundment, destruction or disposition of animals found running at large or raised or kept in violation of ordinance, § 2(19).