§ 7-46. Reasons for impoundment generally.

(a)

Whenever animals are kept within any building or on any premises without food, water or proper care and attention, or are kept in violation of the provisions of this article, or are infected with disease, or kept under conditions which could endanger public health or create a nuisance, it shall be the duty of any authorized employee of the animal shelter department, or any person issued and authorized to wear the animal shelter badge, to enter the building or premises to take possession of and remove the animals so abandoned or neglected. Animals and birds so impounded shall not be released before the reason for causing the impoundment has been corrected.

(b)

If any impounded animal, other than a dog or cat impounded for being at large, is not reclaimed by the owner upon payment of impoundment and daily board fees and compliance with other legal requirements for keeping an animal, or if the reason for causing the impoundment is not corrected within a reasonable time, the animal shall be held for such time as the director deems reasonable, considering the animal's probable value, condition of health and suitability for use. Upon expiration of such reasonable time, the director of the animal shelter may offer the animal for adoption, or it may be humanely destroyed.

(Code 1961, § 4-21(a); Ord. No. 20257, § 1, 1-14-98)