§ 4-29. Holding periods; disposition of unclaimed animals; quarantine.

(a)

The following holding periods are hereby established for animals picked up by, or turned in to the animal control authority, excluding animals surrendered to the animal control authority by their owner or custodian. Animals surrendered to the animal control authority by their owner or custodian shall immediately become property of animal control authority and will be subject to the disposition options outlined in this article.

(1)

Healthy animals wearing a current, valid tag, collar with license or owner contact information, implanted with a RFID microchip: seven (7) calendar days, excluding the day of impoundment.

(2)

Healthy animals not wearing a current, valid tag, collar with owner contact information, or implanted with a registered RFID microchip: A minimum of four (4) calendar days, excluding the day of impoundment.

(3)

Diseased, feral, or injured animals, whether tagged or untagged: The animal control authority may euthanize any animal if deemed necessary for the wellbeing of the animal, to prevent suffering or for the health of other animals in the facility.

(b)

Any animal, of which the owner is identified, that is held under quarantine at animal control, will be considered unclaimed if not picked up on or before the third day following the quarantine. If not claimed on or before the third day following the quarantine, the animal will be disposed of as necessary. Disposition shall include adoption, rescue, or euthanasia.

(c)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the animal control administrator, or designee may reduce any holding period in the event of overcrowding or a local state of emergency.

(Ord. No. 18-068, § 9, 10-2-18)