§ 5-24. Confiscation of dangerous dogs; grounds; disposition.

(a)

Confiscation. A classified dog shall be immediately confiscated by the animal control officer or by a law enforcement officer or by another person authorized by the animal control officer in the case of any violation of this chapter. A refusal to surrender a dog subject to confiscation shall be a violation of this chapter.

(1)

The owner of any dog that has been confiscated pursuant to this chapter may recover such dog upon payment of reasonable confiscation and housing costs and proof of compliance with the provision of this chapter. All fines and charges for services performed by a law enforcement or animal control officer shall be paid prior to owner recovery of the dog. Criminal prosecution shall not be stayed due to owner recovery or euthanasia of dog.

(2)

In the event the owner has not complied with the provisions of this chapter within twenty (20) days of the date the dog was confiscated, such dog shall be destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner and the owner may be required to pay the costs of housing and euthanasia.

(b)

Return. Any dog that has been confiscated under the provisions of this section shall be returned to its owner upon the owner's compliance with the provisions of this section and upon the payment of reasonable confiscation costs, including an impoundment fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00), boarding costs of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per day, and all actual veterinary care costs. In the event the owner has not complied with the provisions of this section within twenty (20) days of the date the dog was confiscated, said dog shall be destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 4-11-5.1; provided however, upon a showing for good cause, the director of animal control may extend said time, up to all additional fifteen (15) days, upon the payment by the owner of the per diem boarding costs for said dog.

(Ord. No. 46-12, § 1, 11-1-12)