§ 12-3-201. IMPOUNDMENT OF STRAY ANIMAL OR ANIMAL AT LARGE.

(a)

Requirements to turn over stray animals and adoption.

(1)

Within 24 hours after picking up a stray animal, a person who picks up a stray animal shall turn the animal over to the Animal Services Division.

(2)

Unless the stray animal is claimed by its owner, the person who turned the stray animal in to the Animal Services Division may adopt the stray animal after the statutory holding period.

(b)

Division or Health Officer to impound animal at large. The Animal Services Division or the Health Officer may impound an animal at large and take the animal to a county animal shelter.

(c)

Notice to owner before animal placement or disposal.

(1)

An animal that is impounded under this section may not be placed or destroyed until the animal has been carefully inspected for a tag, tattoo, microchip, or other identification to ascertain the owner and:

(i)

Seventy-two hours have elapsed after notice has been given to the owner;

(ii)

If the owner cannot be notified, 72 hours have elapsed after the animal was impounded; or

(iii)

The Health Officer has determined that the animal is seriously diseased or severely injured.

(2)

The statutory holding period under paragraph (1)(i) and (ii) of this subsection does not apply to an animal that is under 3 months of age.

(d)

Efforts to locate the owner. The Animal Services Division shall make a reasonable effort to notify the owner of the location of and the procedure for retrieving and redeeming the impounded animal. The effort to notify the owner shall include:

(1)

Publication via social media; or

(2)

Telephone; or

(3)

Email.

(1988 Code, § 6-12) (Bill No. 3-00, § 4, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 63-01, § 1, 8-10-2001; Bill No. 72-03, § 24, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 68-13, § 1, 12-29-2013; Bill No. 43-16 , § 2, 7-18-2016)