§ 4-36. Notice; redemption period; disposition.

The city-approved animal impound facility shall keep all impounded animals, except felines, for a period of five (5) days from the date of impounding; the maximum hold period for felines will be three (3) calendar days for domestic felines, and one (1) calendar day for feral felines; and, during the period of impoundment, the city-approved animal impoundment facility shall notify or make diligent effort to notify the owner of such impounding, and of the proposed destruction or sale of the animal. When an animal carries the owner's address, the notice shall be certified by letter, return receipt requested. In all other cases, the animal warden shall make a diligent effort to notify the owner. If, at the expiration of the five (5) days from notice, such impounded animal has not been redeemed by the owner, it shall be sold or destroyed as hereinafter provided for. Injured animals will be examined by the director of the impoundment facility (currently the Sebastian County Humane Society (SCHS) shelter management and head technician) as to the extent of injuries. Injured animals capable of being held in reasonable comfort will be held the complete five-day stray holding period. Severely injured animals may be subject to euthanasia prior to the completion of the five-day stray holding period when necessary to prevent animal suffering. Diseased or vicious animals will not be subject to euthanasia prior to the expiration of the five-day stray holding period. The director of the impoundment facility (currently SCHS) will document the holding period and basis for euthanasia of all animals.

(Code 1976, § 4-70; Ord. No. 33-98, § 2, 4-21-98; Ord. No. 32-10, 7-20-10; Ord. No. 9-13, § 3, 2-19-13)