§ 4-10. Redemption of animals.

(a)

No animal impounded pursuant to this article shall be released to its owner until:

(1)

The owner provides proof of vaccination against rabies, or the animal is vaccinated by and issued a current rabies certificate from Animal Services at owner's expense, or arrangements are made with the Director to accomplish such. If arrangements are made with the Director for the animal to be vaccinated after the release and the owner does not provide proof of vaccination within thirty (30) days of the date of the release, the owner shall be in violation of section 4-35;

(2)

The owner of an impounded animal pays all applicable fees due, including those for impoundment, board and feed;

(3)

The owner of an impounded animal pays any expenses incurred by the County for veterinary treatment;

(4)

The owner of an impounded animal pays any current or outstanding penalties and fines imposed by the special master, including surcharges;

(5)

The owner of an impounded animal presents proof of ownership or executes a sworn statement of ownership or responsibility; and

(6)

If applicable, an animal being considered by Animal Services for possible classification as a feral animal is determined to be not feral, or if determined to be feral and the owner appeals, the special master or county court orders the animal's release.

(b)

Any fertile dog or cat impounded a second or successive time shall be spayed or neutered by Animal Services, at the owner's expense, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1) below and prior to release of the dog or cat, unless the Director or designee determines otherwise in accordance with subsection (2) below.

(1)

If ownership of the dog or cat can be determined, written notification of intent to sterilize the animal shall be given to the owner. The cost of the spay or neuter shall be charged to the owner upon redemption.

(2)

Any owner of an impounded animal subject to mandatory spay/neuter may petition in writing to the Director or designee. The petition must be made by the owner within twenty-four (24) hours after Animal Services notifies the owner of the impoundment. The Director or designee shall require the animal to be spayed or neutered unless the Director or designee has determined that good cause exists for not requiring that the animal be spayed or neutered.

(c)

The County Manager or designee may waive fees or expenses for hardship or extenuating circumstances.

(Ord. No. 2009-47, § 2, 9-1-09; Ord. No. 2017-16, § 2, 4-4-17; Ord. No. 2018-22, § 2, 5-8-18)