Prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for the owner or person having possession, charge, custody, or
control of any animal or fowl to cause or allow same to run at large on public property
within the corporate limits of the city. The running at large on public property of
any animal or fowl shall be prima facie evidence of the violation of this section
by the owner or person in charge, custody, or control of such animal or fowl. The
fine for running at large on public property shall be not less than twenty-five dollars
($25.00) for the first offense; fifty dollars ($50.00) for the second offense and
seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for the third offense.
(b)
Impoundment, redemption and destruction.
Any animal or fowl found running at large within the corporate limits of the city
shall be taken up and confined in the city pound. Reasonable efforts shall be made
to identify and notify the owner or person having possession or custody of said animal
or fowl of such impoundment. The impounded animal or fowl shall be held for at least
seventy-two (72) hours, during which time the owner or person having possession or
custody of same may redeem or repossess such animal or fowl upon payment of a pound
fee. In the case of dogs or cats, the redeeming party shall produce proof that such
animal is properly licensed and vaccinated as a condition to its release. If not reclaimed
or redeemed within seventy-two (72) hours, the impounded animal or fowl shall be humanely
put to death as soon as practicable thereafter; provided that, after the lapse of
seventy-two (72) hours and before such animal and fowl is put to death, any person
may redeem and obtain such animal or fowl, subject to adoption guidelines established
by the Washington County Humane Society.
