§ 17.25.040. Redemption of impounded animal.  


Latest version.
  • A.

    An animal may be redeemed by the owner from the animal care and control center upon proof the animal has a current rabies vaccination, is currently licensed under this title, if required, and if the animal is kept in the municipality. The owner shall pay all impound, licensing, rabies vaccination, daily board, medical treatment, previously unpaid/outstanding animal control fees and fines owed by the owner, and any other fees required.

    B.

    An animal may be redeemed by the custodian for the owner, with written proof of the owner's intention to allow redemption, proof the animal has a current rabies vaccination, a current license, if required, and if the animal is kept in the municipality. The custodian shall pay all impound, licensing, rabies vaccination, daily board, medical treatment, all previously unpaid/outstanding animal control fees and fines owed by the owner, and any other fees required.

    C.

    An animal that has been classified at level five behavior, or a wolf hybrid that has been classified at level 3 or level 4.a, is not redeemable.

    D.

    Within seven days from the date of impoundment, any animal classified as level 1, 2, 3 or 4 under Section 17.40.020, except a wolf hybrid that has been classified at level 3 or level 4.a., shall be released to the owner upon payment of all fees required and upon verification of compliance with Sections 17.30.080 and 17.40.040, including any classification requirements set by the chief animal control officer. Upon failure of the owner to comply with Section 17.40.040, the chief animal control officer may impound or re-impound the animal and require the owner to forfeit the animal to the municipality. An animal shall not be allowed to reside with or be redeemed by anyone who has been convicted, nor to a person residing in the same household with a person convicted, of a crime under Title 8.55 or inhumane treatment of an animal in another jurisdiction.

    E.

    An animal shall not be redeemed by anyone who has a pending case, nor to a person residing in the same household with a person who has a pending case, under Title 8.55 or inhumane treatment of an animal in another jurisdiction.

    F.

    An animal shall not be redeemed by an owner or person where such ownership is prohibited by federal, state or municipal law.

    G.

    The chief animal control officer or designee shall make a written record of each decision made pursuant to this section to clearly and precisely explain the reason for the decision. A copy of the written decision shall be served upon the owner or person who attempts to redeem the animal.

    H.

    It is unlawful to fail to comply with any condition of redemption imposed by the chief animal control officer under this title.

(AO No. 2001-158(S-4), § 1, 1-1-03; AO No. 2009-88, § 4, 9-10-09)