Calexico Municipal Code Ch. 6.12 Impoundment

The office of dogcatcher is created.

(Prior code § 4421)

The term "dogcatcher" is amended wherever it is found in this code to read "animal control officer." In addition to the powers and duties otherwise designated by this code for "animal control officer," the "animal control officer" shall have all of the powers and duties of the "dogcatcher" described in this code.

(Ord. 976 (part), 1998)

The dogcatcher shall be appointed by the council or, in the discretion of the council, by the chief of police. He shall hold office at the pleasure of the council or the chief of police.

(Prior code § 4422)

The dogcatcher shall have the power delegated to him by the chief of police.

(Prior code § 4423)

If at the expiration of seventy-two hours after the seizure of any unlicensed dog or dogs declared to be a nuisance by the dogcatcher or the chief of police such dog remains unclaimed, the dogcatcher may deliver the dog to any person who pays the sum of two dollars and fifty cents.

(Ord. 722 § 1, 1978: prior code § 4431)

The certificate of the dogcatcher to the person paying the fees prescribed by this chapter to be paid shall be evidence of the legal title to such dog against anyone afterwards claiming the ownership of such dog.

(Prior code § 4432)

No dog which is impounded shall be killed or otherwise disposed of without notice to the owner if he is known. If after the expiration of seven days said dog remains unclaimed and no one pays the fees required by this chapter, the dogcatcher shall destroy and bury such dog.

(Ord. 722 § 2, 1978: prior code § 4433)

The office of poundkeeper of the city is created.

(Prior code § 4331)

The term "poundkeeper" is amended wherever it is found in this code to read "animal control officer." In addition to the powers and duties otherwise designated by this code for "animal control officer," the "animal control officer" shall have all of the powers and duties of the "poundkeeper" described in this code.

(Ord. 976 (part), 1998)

The chief of police shall be ex officio poundkeeper and shall receive no salary or compensation nor any remuneration for his services except the fees provided for in this chapter.

(Prior code § 4331.1)

The poundkeeper shall, at his own expense, provide and maintain in a suitable and sanitary condition a proper corral and building to be known as the public pound in which to impound all animals required by this chapter to be impounded.

(Prior code § 4331.2)

The poundkeeper shall, at his own expense, provide suitable sustenance for all animals impounded in the public pound.

(Prior code § 4331.3)

A. It shall be the duty of the poundkeeper to take up and impound in the public pound any of the animals mentioned in Section 6.08.010 found running at large upon any street, lane, alley, park or other public place, or upon any unenclosed lot of the city, or found staked, herded or grazed upon any street, land, alley, park or other public place, or found staked upon any unenclosed lot or land in a manner contrary to the provisions of this title.

B. The poundkeeper is given the power and right, and it is his duty, to go upon such unenclosed lots or lands for the purpose of taking up and impounding any such animals found running at large thereon or staked thereon contrary to the provisions of this title.

(Prior code § 4333)

A. Recordkeeping. The poundkeeper shall keep a record of:

1. The number and description of all animals taken into his custody and impounded;

2. The date of their receipt;

3. The date of their disposal;

4. If redeemed or sold, the names of the persons by whom redeemed, reclaimed or purchased; and

5. The amount of all fees received by him.

B. Posting of List. He shall also keep posted, in three conspicuous places, a list of all animals mentioned in Section 6.08.010.

(Prior code § 4334)

The owner or person entitled to the custody of any animal mentioned in Section 6.08.010 taken up and impounded may at any time before the sale thereof redeem the same by paying to the poundkeeper the fees and charges prescribed by this chapter accruing up to the time of the sale.

(Prior code § 4335)

A. Posting of Notice. The poundkeeper shall, on the third day after the impounding of any animal required to be impounded by this title, if it is not sooner redeemed, advertise the same for sale by posting three written notices of the sale thereof in three public places in the city.

B. Contents of Notice. Said notice shall give a description of the animal to be sold and state the day and hour and place of sale.

C. Sale to Highest Bidder. At the time advertised, which shall not be less than five days after the day of posting such notice, the poundkeeper shall, unless such animal is previously redeemed, proceed to sell the same at the place advertised to the highest bidder for cash.

D. Bill of Sale and Title. The poundkeeper shall execute to the purchaser a bill of sale and thereon a title to such animal shall vest in such purchaser.

E. Disposition of Proceeds of Sale. From the proceeds of such sale, the poundkeeper shall retain the fees and charges allowed by Sections 6.12.090 through 6.12.190 and shall hold the surplus, if any, for the owner of the animal sold for a period of six months; and if before the expiration of such period no demand is made for the proceeds, it is to be paid to the finance director/city treasurer.

(Prior code §§ 4335.1—4335.5)

(Ord. No. 1145, § 1(GG), 10-2-2012)

A. The city shall be entitled to receive fees for: (1) the taking up of any animal; (2) impounding such animal; (3) the feeding and caring of such animal; (4) quarantine fees; (5) and other miscellaneous fees to be recommended by the poundkeeper. Said fees are to be established by resolution of the city council.

B. No fees whatsoever shall be allowed the poundkeeper for any animals which have been unlawfully taken up or impounded; but such animals shall be immediately delivered to the owner or person entitled to the custody thereof.

C. No impounding fee shall be charged for any animal attached to a vehicle or harness or bridle which has run away from the owner or person in charge thereof.

(Ord. 770 § 1, 1979; Ord. 719 § 1, 1978; prior code § 4336)

All animals mentioned in Sections 6.08.010 and 6.12.090 through 6.12.190 which may be taken into custody by the poundkeeper and which by reason of old age are unfit for further use, or which are infected with any dangerous communicable disease shall be destroyed by the poundkeeper.

(Prior code § 4337)

It is unlawful for any person to interfere with, oppose or resist the poundkeeper while engaged in the performance of the duties required of him by Sections 6.12.090 through 6.12.180.

(Prior code § 4338)