§ 24-8. Seizure and impoundment.

In accordance with § 117 of the Agriculture and Markets Law:

A. 

The Dog Control Officer shall seize:

(1) 

Any dog that is not licensed, whether on or off the owner's premises.

(2) 

Any licensed dog that is not in the control of its owner or custodian or not on the premises of the dog's owner or custodian, if there is probable cause to believe the dog is dangerous.

(3) 

Any dog that poses an immediate threat to the public safety.

(4) 

Any dog in violation of § 24-9A through § 24-9H of this article.

B. 

The Dog Control Officer, when acting pursuant to his or her special duties, shall make and maintain a complete record of any seizure and subsequent disposition of any dog. Such record shall include, but not be limited to, a description of the dog, the date and hour of seizure, the municipal identification number of such dog (if any), the location where seized, the reason for the seizure and the owner's name and address, if known.

C. 

Each dog seized in accordance with the provisions of this article shall be properly sheltered, fed and watered for the redemption period as hereinafter provided.

D. 

Each dog that is not identified, whether or not licensed, shall be held for a period of five days after the day seized, during which period the dog may be redeemed by its owner, provided that such owner produces proof that the dog is currently licensed, and further that the owner has paid the appropriate impoundment fees, as established by Town Board resolution and periodically reviewed and changed when deemed necessary.

(1) 

See Town of Oneonta Fee Schedule for:

(a) 

First impoundment of any dog owned by that person;

(b) 

Second impoundment, within one year of the first impoundment, of any dog owned by that person; and

(c) 

Third and subsequent impoundments, within one year of the first impoundment, of any dog owned by that person.

Editor's Note: The Fee Schedule is on file in the Town offices.

(2) 

If, upon redemption, any dog received a rabies vaccination, the charge for such vaccination shall be added to impoundment fees.

E. 

If, at the end of the appropriate redemption period, said dog has not been redeemed by its owner, the owner shall forfeit all title to the dog and it shall be available for adoption; or euthanized pursuant to the provisions of § 118 of the Agriculture and Market Law; or be released to an authorized humane society or shelter.

F. 

Prior to releasing a dog to its owner or adopting out a dog, the Clerk shall determine the number of days the dog has been in the shelter and the costs for any veterinary care, which the owner shall pay to the Clerk, together with the impoundment fees and any licensing fees, at which time such dog may be released to owner.