§ 12-3-203. DISPOSITION OF STRAY ANIMAL OR ANIMAL AT LARGE.

(a)

Redemption of animal. If the owner of an impounded animal seeks to redeem the animal, the Animal Services Division may require the owner to:

(1)

Provide proof of ownership satisfactory to the Division;

(2)

Comply with the license provisions of this article;

(3)

Pay any applicable redemption fees and boarding;

(4)

Allow the Division to microchip the animal at the Division's expense; and

(5)

Allow the Division to spay or neuter the animal at the Division's expense.

(b)

Disposal of unclaimed animals.

(1)

At the end of any applicable statutory holding period, an unclaimed animal is deemed abandoned and becomes the property of the county.

(2)

(i)

Except as provided in subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, the Health Officer may dispose of the animal only by euthanasia, rescue, or adoption.

(ii)

The Health Officer shall maintain and keep accurate records of the number of animals that are disposed of by euthanasia, rescue, and adoption each year.

(iii)

If the animal is a wild animal, the Health Officer shall release the animal in a suitable habitat.

(1988 Code, § 6-14) (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)