§ 7-131. Emergencies and disclaimer of liability.

In cases where it reasonably appears that an animal is creating an imminent danger to the health, life or safety of any person or other animal or for the prevention of unnecessary or unjustifiable suffering of the animal and the suffering or danger can not be reasonably remedied unless said animal is euthanized, the animal shelter veterinarian or designee may euthanize the animal without notice to the owner due to exigent circumstances. If an emergency occurs and a final disposition made, the parish shall not be liable for the euthanasia of an animal which results in saving a person's life, ensuring the health of a person, prevents prolonged suffering or pain of an animal and/or the spread of disease or illness to other animals in the shelter. The reasons for such euthanasia must be documented by the shelter veterinarian or designee. Within twenty-four (24) hours of the emergency action, the owner shall be notified of the incident, the reason for the action taken and the notice that a hearing can be requested before the bureau of administrative adjudication within ten (10) days including holidays and weekends.

(Code 1961, § 4-18(b); Ord. No. 24925 , § 1, 3-25-15)

Editor's note

Ord. No. 24925 , § 1, adopted March 25, 2015, amended § 7-131, and in so doing changed the title of said section from "Transport of small animals by commercial establishments" to "Emergencies and disclaimer liability," as set out herein.