Alturas Municipal Code Art. IV Impoundment

An animal may be impounded at the discretion of the animal control officer for good cause. Instances warranting impoundment include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) The owner or custodian of the animal consents to the impoundment.

(2) The animal is at large.

(3) The animal control officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the animal may be rabid.

(4) The animal control officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the animal is a dangerous or vicious animal as defined in this chapter.

(5) To protect an animal that is injured, sick, starving or suffering from heat, cold or confinement or needs immediate care.

(6) When the animal control officer has reasonable grounds to believe that immediate impoundment of the animal is necessary to protect the public health or safety of any person or animal.

(7) The impoundment is authorized by the chief of police.

(8) Any other violation of the provisions of this chapter warranting, in the discretion of the animal control officer and for good cause.

If not redeemed within five days, may thereafter be disposed of in a humane manner if not claimed by the owner. Animals not claimed by their owners after expiration of five days shall become the property of the chief of police, or be disposed of at the discretion of the chief of police or the animal control officer.

(Ord. No. 527, § 1, 2-21-2023)

If there is a known address or owner for the animal, the animal control officer will when possible serve a notice of impoundment within 24 hours of the impoundment, either in person or by attaching to the owner's door if the owner has been ascertained and located. The notice will state:

(1) The date of impoundment and the place where the animal is impounded;

(2) The grounds for impoundment; and

(3) The action to be taken to retrieve the animal from impoundment, if any.

(Ord. No. 527, § 1, 2-21-2023)

The animal control officer or designee will ensure that all impounded animals receive suitable and adequate food, water and shelter. Designee in this case will include a veterinarian, the Modoc County Animal Shelter, or any other responsible caretaker.

(Ord. No. 527, § 1, 2-21-2023)

The owner or person entitled to the custody of any animal taken up, seized, or impounded at the police department may redeem such animal by paying to the police department the charges and fees, including registration fees, accruing up to the time of such redemption.

(Ord. No. 527, § 1, 2-21-2023)

The animal control officer may charge, receive, and collect fees and charges for services and impounding animals as established from time to time by resolution of the city council. All such monies will be paid into the city treasury to be credited to the general fund.

(Ord. No. 527, § 1, 2-21-2023)