§ 4-9. Disposition of impounded animals.

(a)

After holding requirements have been met, the department may provide for appropriate disposition of any impounded animal. Any community cat is exempted from this section.

(b)

In the event the animal is appropriate for adoption or for transfer to an adoption agency, foster or rescue, the animal must be vaccinated against rabies, licensed, and sterilized prior to relinquishing custody of the animal, or as otherwise provided in F.S. § 823.15.

(c)

When appropriate, an animal may be euthanized. Euthanasia shall be performed in accordance with F.S. § 828.058. The county shall, by way of a licensed veterinarian, have its euthanasia procedures examined yearly to ensure that euthanasia is being carried out humanely and, thereafter, the animals are being disposed of in an appropriate manner.

(d)

Unless otherwise stated herein, no animal impounded pursuant to this chapter shall be released to its owner until:

(1)

The owner of the impounded animal provides evidence of ownership;

(2)

All dogs and cats which are four (4) months of age and older shall be vaccinated against rabies and issued a current county license and tag at the expense of its owner unless the owner can provide proof of current rabies vaccination;

(3)

The owner of the impounded animal pays all expenses incurred by the county for impoundment, veterinary care and daily maintenance; and

(4)

The owner pays any outstanding fees, penalties or citations for violations of this chapter.

(e)

Any fertile dog or cat impounded on three (3) or more occasions shall be sterilized prior to the release of same by the department. If the ownership of the dog or cat is discoverable upon reasonable investigation, written notification by hand-delivery or U.S. First Class mail of the county's intent to sterilize the animal shall be given to the owner or keeper of the animal. The owner may petition the animal services department in writing for a hearing. Procedures for the hearing will be developed by the department. Such petition must be made within three (3) working days of receipt of the notice of intent to sterilize. Sterilization shall occur immediately following the three-day period unless after a properly requested hearing, the director determines that good cause exists for not mandating sterilization.

(Ord. No. 2017-49, § 1, 8-7-17; Ord. No. 2018-25, § 1, 4-9-18)