§ 2-4-19. Disposition of animals.

(a)

Dogs impounded by the division shall be held for redemption for a minimum of five (5) calendar days. Cats impounded by the division shall be held for redemption for a minimum of three (3) calendar days. In calculating the time period, the day of impoundment shall be counted as day one. However, wildlife, certain domestic animals such as various avian species, rabbits, reptiles, rodents, and the like, small farm animals and livestock, will be transferred to the appropriate agency, or held for a period of time determined by the division, on a case-by-case basis.

(b)

The division chief of animal services or his designee has the authority to make a determination as to whether a particular cat is feral. Cats identified as being feral shall be held by the division for a minimum of one calendar day and they are processed in accordance with all applicable laws and procedures.

(c)

Animals which have not been redeemed, or for which an owner has unsuccessfully been identified or located within the time periods provided by this ordinance, shall become the property of the county. Thereafter, the division may, in its discretion, place such animals for adoption, transfer the animals, or make disposition pursuant to law.

(d)

If an impounded animal is suffering from or suspected to have an infectious or contagious disease, or is injured or debilitated to such an extent that it is experiencing unjustifiable pain or suffering as determined by a veterinarian or the division chief or his or her designee, the animal may be euthanized prior to the expiration of the times set forth in this section.

(e)

The impound times set forth in this section shall not apply to owners whose animals were impounded for investigative or litigation-related reasons, or to those animals surrendered by their owner.

(f)

No animal will be disposed of to any medical school, college, university, or person for experimentation or vivisection purposes, or to any person providing, selling, or supplying animals to any medical school, college, university, or person for experimentation or vivisection purposes.

(Ord. No. 12-10, § 1, 5-8-12)