§ 4-43. Impoundment of animals.

Any animal found at large, found not to be wearing a currently valid rabies tag, has been declared dangerous and is outside not in a secure pen or on a restraint, that is a danger to the public or for any other reason designated in this Chapter is a public nuisance and may be impounded and confined in the Animal Shelter in a humane manner for a period hereinafter prescribed:

(a)

Owner notification. Immediately upon impounding any animal, the Animal Services Director or designee shall attempt to notify the Owner or Keeper by either telephone or in person to inform that person of such impoundment, and the conditions whereby the animal may be redeemed. If unable to give notice by telephone, an official, dated, written notice shall be mailed to the registered owner by certified mail, return receipt requested, giving notice of the impoundment and the conditions whereby the animal may be redeemed.

(b)

Reclamation. A domesticated animal impounded under this Chapter may be reclaimed by its Owner or Keeper according to procedures of Animal Services. The owner or keeper of an impounded domesticated animal shall be responsible for and shall pay all expenses, boarding costs, redemption privilege taxes and costs associated with such impoundment prior to reclaiming the animal. Unless reclaimed, the impounded domesticated animal may be allowed to be adopted or humanely euthanized according to Animal Services procedures after five days of impoundment. Feral dogs and cats may be held for 72 hours and then euthanized pursuant to Animal Services procedures for humane euthanasia. The Owner or Keeper of an impounded domesticated animal shall also comply with any vaccination and licensing directives and be responsible for the payment to Orange County of all civil penalties and license privilege taxes imposed or associated with the animal's impoundment as prescribed in any citation or notice issued by the Animal Services Director. Animals impounded in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. 130A-196, after having bitten a person, not reclaimed within 72 hours after the end of the quarantine period will be considered abandoned and will become the property of the Orange County and disposed of according to standard Animal Services procedures.

(c)

Release to Owner. An Owner of an impounded animal may reclaim the animal after it has been impounded, upon compliance with this Section and in accordance with requirements set forth by the Animal Services Director. Nothing in this Chapter shall require the Animal Services Director to release an animal that has been impounded that is need of protection because of cruel treatment.

(d)

Diseased or injured animals. Severely diseased or badly injured animals may be euthanized in a humane manner, if authorized by a licensed veterinarian, prior to the end of the required redemption or adoption period.

(e)

Confinement Order. In lieu of impoundment, the Animal Services Director is authorized to issue a Confinement Order to the animal owner or keeper that would require the owner or keeper to confine a dangerous animal or an animal otherwise violating provisions of the Ordinance. Failure to thus confine the animal would constitute a further violation of the Ordinance, subjecting the owner to appropriate criminal or civil penalties.

(Res. 2016-071, eff. 11-15-2016)