Beaumont Municipal Code Ch. 6.18 Large Animals

No person owning or having the care, custody, or control of any horse, mule, jack, cow, sheep, goat, or other domestic animal or livestock shall permit the same to be at large and not be under the immediate control of some person. No person shall picket such animal in such a manner that the animal can go upon any of the streets, alleys, or public parks, or public grounds within the City. It shall be the duty of the Animal Services Officer to impound any animal that may be found running at large.

(Ord. 960, 10/20/09; §1)

Within not less than two, nor more than five days from the impoundment of any animal under this Chapter, it shall be the duty of the Animal Services Officer to give notice of the impounding of such animal to the owner or person claiming to own such animal. If the owner cannot be ascertained, a notice shall be posted for five days in a conspicuous place in the City therein giving a description of each animal impounded and stating that if such animal is not sooner redeemed, the Animal Services Officer will at a time and place named in such notice, sell such animal at public auction to pay the charges and costs provided for in this Chapter.

(Ord. 960, 10/20/09; § 1)

Any person owning or claiming to own any animal under the provisions of this Chapter may redeem such animal by payment of the fees and charges established in amounts by resolution of the City Council:

a. Impoundment. The City shall charge a fee for impoundment, plus the actual costs of transporting the animal, veterinary care and related services rendered to the animal while impounded, the actual costs for the Animal Services Officer, as well as any other agencies involved, the actual costs of sale incurred, actual costs of any extraordinary measures required in or for the handling and maintaining of the animal while impounded. Upon impounding any bovine animal, horse, mule or burro, the Animal Services Officer shall comply with Food and Agriculture Code Section 17003 and immediately notify the Secretary of Food and Agriculture.

b. Feeding and Keeping. For feeding and keeping any animal, a fee for each day or fraction thereof the same shall remain in the Animal Services Officer's custody.

(Ord. 960, 10/20/09; § 1)

Any animal impounded under this Chapter may at any time be redeemed upon payment to the Animal Services Officer of such fees and charges as may have already been incurred per Section 6.20.030.

(Ord. 960, 10/20/09; §1)

At the time and place set forth in the notice of sale, the Animal Services Officer shall cause the sale of the impounded animal at public sale, to the highest bidder, for cash. If no bid is offered for such animal, the Animal Services Officer may cause the sale of such animal at private sale or humanely destroy such animal, or otherwise dispose of it as permitted by law.

(Ord. 960, 10/20/09; §1)

The Animal Services Officer, upon receiving the purchase money for an animal sold under this Chapter shall provide the purchaser with a bill of sale signed by the Animal Services Officer.

(Ord. 960, 10/20/09; §1)

All money received for the sale of an animal under the provisions of this Chapter shall be deposited in the general fund of the City.

(Ord. 960, 10/20/09; §1)

It shall be the duty of the Animal Services Officer to maintain accurate records on all animals impounded, redeemed or sold under the provisions of this Chapter.

(Ord. 960, 10/20/09; §1)