§ 4-33. Establishment of county shelters; impounding and disposing of dogs and cats; reclaiming impounded animals; shelter fees.

(a)

The board of supervisors may provide or authorize county shelters, or enter into a cooperative agreement with a city, a veterinarian or a state incorporated humane society for the establishment and operation of a county shelter.

(b)

Any stray dog shall be impounded. All animals impounded shall be given proper care and maintenance.

(c)

Each stray animal impounded shall be kept and maintained at the county shelter for a minimum of 72 hours or 120 hours for an animal that is wearing a license tag, unless claimed or surrendered by its owner. Any person may purchase such an animal upon expiration of the impoundment period, provided such person pays all pound fees established by the board of supervisors and complies with the licensing and vaccinating provisions of this article. If such an animal is to be used for medical research, no license or vaccination shall be required. The county enforcement agent may destroy impounded sick or injured animals whenever such destruction is necessary to prevent such animals from suffering or to prevent the spread of disease.

(d)

Any impounded licensed dog or any cat may be reclaimed by its owner or such owner's agent provided that the person reclaiming the animal furnishes proof of right to do so and pays all shelter fees established by the board of supervisors. If the animal is not reclaimed within the impoundment period, the county enforcement agent shall take possession and may place the animal for sale or may dispose of the animal in a humane manner. Any person purchasing such an animal shall pay all shelter fees established by the board of supervisors.

( Ord. No. 1994-01 , art. III, § 4, 11-15-1994)

State law reference

Similar provisions, A.R.S. § 11-1013.