§ 34-317. Disposition of impounded animals.

(a)

Any animal impounded under the provisions of this article which is found upon arrival at the animal control shelter to be diseased or injured, and whose ownership is unknown or is relinquished in writing, may, at the discretion of Fulton County Government or its designee, be immediately euthanized if not accepted by a qualified adoption facilitator, rescue group or animal shelter, and provided such organization signs a receipt for the animal. In the event an owner cannot be contacted and the severity of the injury or disease of the animal dictates that euthanasia is a humane course of action, the animal may be euthanized and the owner, if known, notified as soon as possible.

(b)

If, in the opinion of Fulton County Government or its designee, the release of an impounded animal will impair the safety of the public, such animal will be held pending a court order disposition.

(c)

Any animal impounded under the provisions of this article shall be held a minimum of three days from the day of impoundment or such longer period of time as deemed reasonable by the director of animal control. Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, no impounded animal may be euthanized until five days from the date of impoundment. Animals under observation for rabies symptoms shall remain in the animal control shelter for such period of time as the Fulton County Government or its designee may deem necessary to protect the public health.

(d)

Impounded animals not claimed within five days of the day of impoundment or at the end of the quarantine period may be euthanized in a humane manner as approved by Fulton County Government or its designee. No animal impounded under the provisions of this article shall be released to any person or organization for the purpose of live animal experimentation.

(e)

Before the release of any impounded animal, the owner shall pay the following:

(1)

A vaccination fee on any unvaccinated animal when a vaccination is required by this article.

(2)

A license fee for any unlicensed dog or cat in an area covered by this article.

(3)

An impoundment fee.

(4)

A daily boarding fee.

(f)

The county manager shall establish reasonable vaccination, license, impoundment, and boarding fees. In some instances the amount of impoundment and boarding fees will be on a cost-incurred basis.

(g)

Proceeds from license, impoundment, and boarding fees shall be applied to the annual operating budget of the Fulton County Animal Control for animal and rabies control, enforcement activity, and operation of the animal facility.

(h)

Fulton County Government or its designee shall exercise every reasonable care to prevent injury, illness, death, escape, or pilfering of any animal with which it deals but shall not be responsible for any such occurrence.

(91-RC-441, § R, 8-21-91; 16-0728, Exh. A, 9-7-16)