§ 4-31. Impoundment—Generally.

Any dog found running at large shall be taken up by the dog officer and impounded in the shelter designated as the city dog pound, and there confined in a human manner for a period of not less than ten (10) days, and may thereafter be disposed of in a humane manner if not claimed by the owner. Dogs not claimed by their owners before the expiration of ten (10) days may be disposed of at the discretion of the dog officer, except as hereinafter provided in the case of certain dogs:

(1)

When dogs are found running at large, and their ownership is known to the dog officer, such dogs need not be impounded, but the agent may, at such agent's discretion, cite the owners of such dogs to appear in court to answer to charges of violation of this article.

(2)

Immediately upon impounding dogs or other animals, the dog officer shall make a reasonable effort to notify the owners of such dogs or other animals, so impounded, and inform such owners by registered letter of the conditions whereby they may regain custody of such animals.

(3)

No dog shall be turned over or sold to any hospital, institution or organization of any kind for experimental purposes.

(Code 1963, § 1-807; Ord. of 8-17-72, § 1; Ord. of 8-18-88, § 10)