§ 4-8. Disposition of animals

(a) The city may engage the services of a contract shelter facility to be the holding facility for all impounded animals (dogs or cats) not licensed/registered with the city. Once an animal has been released into the custody of the contract facility by the animal control officer or police officer any and all business regarding fines, requirements and reclaims will be conducted directly between the animal's owner and the contract facility.

(b) All animals (dogs and cats) must at all times display a city license/registration tag (see section 4-10). If impoundment is required and the animal is not microchipped or displaying a license/registration tag the animal will be taken to the contract facility at the end of that business day.

(c) If impoundment is required, and the animal is displaying a license/registration tag the animal will be held at the local animal control facility (ACF) for five business days in the attempt to reach the animal's owner and arrange for the reclaim or voluntary surrender of the animal, depending on available space at the ACF. Certain fees will be imposed and received before the animal is released to the owner. (See section 4-7(c).)

(d) No animal may be released to a person other than the owner or the owner's authorized representative until the requirements of V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code ch. 828, which relates to sterilization of dogs and cats, have been satisfied.

(Ord. No. 590, § IX, 7-10-2012)