Vernon Municipal Code Ch. 6.16 Impoundment

A suitable building or enclosure shall be provided by the City or by contract to keep and safely hold all animals herein enumerated which are subject to be impounded, which shall be known and designated as the "animal shelter."

(Prior code § 10.40)

The Chief ACO shall impound and safely keep any animal found running at large or without a license or permit contrary to the provisions of this title.

(Prior code § 10.41)

The Chief ACO shall keep a record on file at the animal shelter giving a full description of each animal impounded therein for said period beginning on the day any such animal is taken or delivered into the possession of the Chief ACO. When an animal is impounded, the Chief ACO shall immediately notify the owner thereof, if known, by written notice and telephone.

(Prior code § 10.42)

The Chief ACO shall implement and enforce within the City, to the extent applicable, the provisions of California Penal Code Section 596 et seq., pertaining to cruelty to animals and care of animals.

(Prior code § 10.43)

The owner of any animal impounded shall have the right, subject to proof of ownership, to reclaim the animal at any time prior to the sale or disposal thereof upon payment to the Chief ACO of the costs and charges for impounding and keeping such animal, and for license or permit fees if unpaid.

(Prior code § 10.44)

The Chief ACO shall charge, receive, and collect fees for impounding animals and for services such as feeding.

(Prior code § 10.45)

The Chief ACO, in accordance with California Penal Code Section 597f, shall order the destruction of any impounded animal which, in the opinion of the Chief ACO, is unfit or which is infected with a dangerous or communicable disease, or which is in an incurable crippled condition, or which is adjudged by a written report of a licensed veterinary to be afflicted with any painful, incurable disease. A domestic-type cat which is wild shall be deemed to be an unfit animal. A written record of the reasons for the destruction shall be made.

(Prior code § 10.46)

All dogs and cats with licenses or other identification impounded at the animal shelter shall be held by the Chief ACO for a reasonable period of time after written notice is given to the owner. If the owner fails to or is unable to redeem the animal after notice, the animal may be determined by the Chief ACO to be abandoned. If the Chief ACO is unable to contact the owner or if the dog, cat, or other animal is unlicensed or unidentified, it shall be held for redemption for a period of at least three days. Thereafter the animal may be disposed of in accordance with Section 6.16.090.

(Prior code § 10.47)

Dogs, cats and other animals not redeemed may be sold by the Chief ACO to the person offering to pay the highest cash amount therefor, provided that the purchaser shall not be given possession of any such animal until the charges and fees prescribed for such animal have been paid and a license or permit has been obtained where applicable. If any dog, cat or other animal impounded by the Chief ACO shall not have been redeemed, and cannot be sold within a reasonable time thereafter, it may be destroyed. A written record of the reasons for the destruction shall be made.

(Prior code § 10.48)

The Chief ACO shall not sell or give away any cat, except in accordance with Section 31751 of the California Food and Agricultural Code pertaining to spaying and neutering.

(Prior code § 10.49)

The Chief ACO shall not sell or give away any dog, except in accordance with Section 30503 of the California Food and Agricultural Code pertaining to spaying and neutering.

(Prior code § 10.50)