8.02.160 ANIMALS TO BE IMPOUNDED (County Code § 6.04.160).

(a) The Animal Control Program may impound any animal kept or found under conditions that constitute a violation of this Chapter or other state or local law. The animal's Owner shall be responsible for all costs incurred or fees applicable with respect to such impoundment and maintenance in the shelter.

(b) An Animal Control Officer or peace officer may impound or cause to be impounded an animal when there is reasonable cause to believe that such animal posed, or poses, a threat to the public's health and safety, or the health and safety of another animal. The animal may remain impounded for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) calendar days in order to investigate, and to determine whether or not said animal is Dangerous or Vicious as defined by this Chapter. In calculating the fifteen (15) calendar days, the first day of impoundment is not included. If an animal is not impounded within fifteen (15) calendar days after an investigation began, the Animal Control Officer or peace officer shall make a determination whether or not the animal is Vicious or Dangerous and shall notify the Owner of said animal as soon as reasonably practical thereafter.

(c) Within twenty-four (24) hours of the impoundment of any animal, the impounding Animal Control Officer shall serve the Owner of the animal with notice of the impoundment.

(d) No impounded animal may be redeemed unless and until any required license fee and/or other applicable charges and fees have been paid. In the event such animal is not redeemed within the time set forth by State law, it shall be deemed abandoned and may be adopted, transferred to a rescue, or disposed of in the manner determined by the Animal Control Program. The Animal Control Program shall issue to the Owner or Person responsible of the care, custody, and control of said animal a receipt showing an itemized description and the amount of the fee(s) paid.

(e) The Animal Control Program shall keep a record of all animals impounded, which record shall include a description of the animal, the date of its receipt, the date and manner of disposal, the name of the Person redeeming, adopting, or purchasing, the fees, and/or charges related to the animal. Said records shall be kept for a period of seven (7) years.