7-12.6 Redemption of Animal by Owner.
a. The owner of any impounded animal shall have the right to reclaim the same at any time prior to the lawful disposition thereof, upon payment to the Animal Control Director of the costs and charges which shall be established by resolution of City for the impounding and keeping of such animals; provided, however, that if the animal is one which is subject to the licensing provisions of this chapter, the licensing requirements must be satisfied before the animal is released.
b. If the impounded animal is not currently vaccinated against rabies as required, and the owner has not previously been cited for failure to license the animal or the animal has not been previously impounded within the preceding thirty (30) calendar days, the animal may be released to the owner upon payment of all fees required (including the license fee and penalty fee, if applicable) on condition that the owner shall:
1. Have the animal vaccinated for rabies in accordance with this chapter within fourteen (14) calendar days; and
2. Exhibit a valid certificate of such vaccination to the director within fourteen (14) calendar days, at which time the license will be issued.
c. Animals may be vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian designated by the Animal Control Officer prior to redemption and the cost of the vaccination and any other costs accrued accomplishing the vaccination, including additional impoundment fees, must be satisfied before the animal is released.
d. If the owner fails to pay the required fees or charges, or to obtain any required license or permit, the animal shall be treated as unredeemed by the owner and disposed of in accordance with subsection 7-12.4. Exceptions: If the impounded animal has been the subject of an abatement order, the animal shall not be released unless the owner is willing and able to comply with the terms of the abatement order.
e. The Animal Control Officer may retain an impounded animal for purposes of investigation or prosecution of any violations of this Code, the City of Clearlake Zoning Ordinance or the laws of the State. If a request for redemption is made by the owner of the animal, the costs of the continued impoundment of the animal from the date the request for redemption is made shall be borne by the City. The owner of the animal may appeal the continued impoundment of the animal within five (5) working days after a request for redemption is denied by the Animal Control Officer. A hearing shall be set before the Animal Hearing Officer within five (5) working days of the filing of the appeal. (Ord. #183-2016, S3)