Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 8.14 Impoundment

Any animal found running at large contrary to the provisions of this title may be apprehended by the Animal Control Director, his/her deputies and any police officer of the City, and any such animal so apprehended shall be impounded in the City pound or other suitable place. Any animal surrendered to the Animal Control Director or his/her designee pursuant to Section 8.04.040 shall be impounded in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

The Animal Control Director or his/her designee upon receiving any dog shall make a complete registry entering the breed, color and sex of such dog and whether licensed. If licensed, he shall enter the name and address of the owner and the number of license tag.

(Ord. 7362 §1, 2017; Ord. 4112 § 1 (part), 1974)

A. Following the impounding of any animal, the owner, if known shall be notified by letter or shall be given such other reasonable notice of the impoundment. If the owner of the animal is unknown and cannot be reasonably ascertained, written notice shall be posted for five days at the City animal shelter describing the animal and the place and time such animal was found. The owner of an animal so impounded may reclaim such animal upon presenting a certificate of vaccination and paying the license fee herein provided, if such is required, and paying all costs and charges incurred by the City for the impoundment and maintenance of such animal.

B. The City Council by resolution may establish the fees for the impoundment of any dog or other animal and for the boarding any dog, cat, cattle, horse, mule, goat and any other such animal by the City.

(Ord. 6219 § 8, 1995: Ord. 6217 § 8, 1995: Ord. 5327 § 1, 1985; Ord. 4924 § 1, 1981; Ord. 4112 § 1 (part), 1974)

It is the duty of the Animal Control Director to keep all impounded animals for a period of at least five days; provided, however, all animals licensed and wearing tags or otherwise owner identifiable shall be held for a period not less than ten days. If, at the expiration of the appropriate holding period such animal has not been redeemed, it may be disposed of in some humane way including placement for adoption by the City animal shelter or a humane animal adoption agency, if deemed appropriate. Any animal suffering from rabies or infected with hydrophobia, mange, or other infectious or dangerous disease need not be so held, but may be forthwith destroyed in a humane manner.

(Ord. 6219 § 9, 1995: Ord. 6217 § 9, 1995: Ord. 4112 § 1 (part), 1974)