§ 5-36. Unclaimed animals.

(a)

Disposal of unclaimed animals. Except as provided below, after five (5) business days any animal unclaimed by its owner, after such owner has been notified of the impoundment of such animal or the conclusion of proceedings before the animal control board, shall be placed for adoption, humanely destroyed in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 4-11-5.1.

(b)

Disposal of animals without known owners. Except as provided below, after three (3) business days any animal whose owner cannot be ascertained, shall be placed for adoption, or humanely destroyed in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 4-11-5.1.

(c)

Disposal of animals without known owners for certain specific violations. If the animal has been impounded pursuant to section 5-33 of this chapter and if the owner is unknown or could not be found within thirty (30) days of publication of the notice of impoundment, the animal shelter may dispose of the animal through sale by any commercially feasible means, at a public auction or by sealed bids. If in the opinion of a licensed accredited veterinarian or a veterinarian employed by the state or federal government any animal impounded pursuant to this chapter has a temperament or condition such that euthanasia is the only reasonable course of action, the animal shelter shall dispose of the animal in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 4-11-5.1.

(d)

Owners liable for fees. In the event an animal is not claimed from impoundment and is therefore destroyed or the animal otherwise dies, and the owner is known, the owner shall still be responsible for the impoundment charges, including boarding fees and veterinary care costs, for the period the animal was held.

(Ord. No. 46-12, § 1, 11-1-12; Ord. No. 31-18, § 1, 11-15-18)