Palm Desert Municipal Code Ch. 6.20 Impoundment

It shall be the function and within the power of the animal control officer to take up, impound, and safely keep any animal mentioned in this title that is found running at large, staked, tied, or being herded or pastured in any street, lane, alley, court, square, park or other place belonging to or under the control of the city, or upon any private property, contrary to the provisions of this title or to the right of the public. All impoundments shall comply with state holding periods under Cal. Food & Agric. Code §§ 31108 and 31752 (Hayden's Law), requiring a minimum of four business days for strays without identification and six business days for those with identification before adoption or euthanasia, unless the animal is irremediably suffering.

(Ord. 874 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1437, 12/11/2025)

The animal control officer shall, immediately upon impoundment of dogs or other animals, make a reasonable effort to notify the owners of the dogs or other animals impounded, and inform the owners of the conditions whereby they may regain custody of the animals. If the dog has a valid license, the owner shall be notified, either personally or by deposit of appropriate notice in the mail addressed to the record address with postage prepaid. The dog must be kept for 10 days from date of notice for the owner to claim the animal.

(Ord. 874 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1437, 12/11/2025)

All animals impounded at the county of Riverside shelter shall be provided with proper and sufficient food and water. Unless unlicensed animals have been claimed within five days after the notification provided for in Section 6.20.020, may be advertised for adoption by the county of Riverside to the general public, provided, that the adopting party shall not be given possession of any dog until he or she has paid to the county of Riverside the license fee for the dog and until he or she has made appropriate arrangements for any necessary rabies vaccination. If any dog or other animal impounded by the animal control officer has not been claimed within said period and cannot be adopted within a reasonable time thereafter, it may be euthanized by the county of Riverside in a humane manner. In lieu of euthanasia, animals may be released without charge to any humane organization that provides an animal adoption service. The county of Riverside shall maintain a file describing each animal impounded in the County shelter, beginning on the day any such animal is taken or delivered into the possession of the shelter.

(Ord. 874 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1437, 12/11/2025)

The animal control officer is authorized to immediately euthanize any animal lawfully impounded which is by reason of disease or other cause dangerous or inhumane to keep impounded.

(Ord. 874 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1437, 12/11/2025)

Pursuant to Section 6.12.160.B, the owner of any licensed impounded animal shall have the right to reclaim it at any time prior to the lawful disposition thereof, upon payment to the county of Riverside and charges provided in this title for the impounding and keeping of such animals. Any person claiming ownership of any unlicensed impounded animal shall be required to present proof of ownership satisfactory to the animal control officer, and thereafter the animal may be released to the claimant upon his or her making payment of all applicable costs, fees and charges prescribed in this chapter, and upon his making appropriate arrangements for any necessary rabies vaccination.

Any dog, four months of age or older, which has been impounded shall not be released from impoundment unless it is licensed, vaccinated, and microchipped in accordance with the provisions of this code.

(Ord. 874 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1437, 12/11/2025)

Pursuant to Section 6.12.160.B, and except in cases when disposition of an animal is made pursuant to Section 6.20.030, the animal control officer shall charge, receive and collect fees for impoundment, care and feeding of impounded animals. The nature and amounts of such fees shall be as fixed from time to time by resolution of the city council. In the absence of any such fee or fees having been so established, the animal control officer may collect and deposit in the appropriate accounts provided for such purpose, a fee or fees in the amount or amounts as is applicable for similar functions or services in the unincorporated areas of the county.

(Ord. 874 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1437, 12/11/2025)

(Ord. 874 § 1, 1998; repealed by Ord. 1437, 12/11/2025)