§ 5-151. Disposition of impounded animals.

(a)

Any impounded animal, except livestock, which is not redeemed within the holding period specified in this article may, at the discretion of the director, be put up for adoption or humanely destroyed by the division. If an impounded animal is put up for adoption, such animal may be adopted by any qualified person upon submission of an application and payment of an adoption fee, the amount of which shall be established pursuant to Section 5-4. If such animal is subject to licensure under this chapter, the person adopting the animal shall, prior to the animal's release, comply with the licensing requirements for the animal. If such animal is a dog or cat which has not been previously spayed or neutered, such dog or cat shall be spayed or neutered. The person adopting such dog or cat shall, prior to such dog or cat's release, provide a spaying or neutering deposit, the amount of which shall be established pursuant to Section 5-4. The director shall designate on such dog or cat's adoption papers the date by which the spaying or neutering shall be completed. Upon receipt of a notice from a veterinarian or spaying and neutering clinic that such dog or cat has been spayed or neutered, the director shall return the deposit to the person who adopted such dog or cat. If no such notice is received by the director within thirty (30) days after the completion date designated on such dog or cat's adoption papers, the deposit shall be forfeited to the county and the person who adopted such dog or cat may be cited for violation of this section and such dog or cat may be seized and impounded.

(b)

Any impounded livestock, except a bovine animal, which is not redeemed within the holding period specified in this article shall be put up for sale by the director. The director shall secure the highest possible price for each animal sold. All sales shall be for cash. The director shall deduct from the proceeds of any such sale all proper fees and charges accrued as provided for by this chapter and all other demands that have been filed with the director claiming interest in and to the proceeds of the sale. All demands made by third persons claiming ownership of or interest in an animal shall be made in writing under penalty of perjury and shall be accompanied by such other evidence of ownership as the director shall require. Any balance remaining after the payment of such fees, charges and demands shall be paid into the county treasury for the use of the owner of the animal. If such funds are not claimed by the owner within thirty (30) days thereafter, the funds shall be forfeited to the county. The director may reject any or all bids for an animal not deemed adequate. If the director determines that an animal cannot be sold, the animal may be humanely destroyed by the division.

(c)

Any impounded bovine animal which is not redeemed within the holding period specified in this article shall be turned over to the State Bureau of Livestock Identification for disposition by that office.

(d)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, whenever an impounded animal is determined by the director in consultation with a veterinarian to constitute a health hazard, the animal may be humanely destroyed by the division.

(Ord. No. 4910 § 11, 1995; Ord. No. 4782 § 22, 1994.)