8.02.170 Dogs and cats – Impoundment – Redemption.
(1) The animal control officer of the city of Stanwood may impound dogs and cats which fall in one or more of the following categories:
(a) Those dogs which are not licensed as defined in SMC 8.02.020(17) or 8.02.110;
(b) Those dogs which do not exhibit the identification tag as required in SMC 8.02.120;
(c) Stray animals as defined in SMC 8.02.020(17) or 8.02.190;
(d) Biting dogs as defined in SMC 8.02.020(5) or 8.02.200;
(e) Dangerous dogs as defined in SMC 8.02.020(7);
(f) Noisy dogs and cats as defined in SMC 8.02.020(13) or 8.02.230;
(g) Trespassing dogs and cats as defined in SMC 8.02.020(18) or 8.02.210;
(h) Dogs running in packs;
(i) Chasing or intimidating dogs as defined in SMC 8.02.020(6) or 8.02.240;
(j) Dogs running at large as defined in SMC 8.02.020(3).
(2) The animal control officer shall use his or her best efforts to notify the owner of the animal impounded pursuant to this section.
(3) If an animal is sold pursuant to this chapter, the net proceeds from the sale shall offset the accrued transportation/impoundment fees and for room and board. The net proceeds of the sale shall not offset any delinquent court fines.
(4) The owner of any animal confiscated or impounded under this chapter shall pay the city of Stanwood assessed penalties and all fees and costs associated with apprehension, transportation, impoundment, care, boarding, and any veterinary care incurred, including euthanasia and disposal if applicable, as a result of the confiscation or impoundment, whether or not the animal is redeemed. Relinquishment of the animal by its owner does not constitute a waiver of fees or costs incurred under this section or fines otherwise imposed. The city of Stanwood may collect the penalties, fees and expenses by use of appropriate legal remedies.
(5) Residents of the city of Stanwood may for a fee equal to the costs associated with the current agreement deliver and relinquish ownership of unwanted dogs or cats owned by them to any animal shelter, providing that service pursuant to a contract with the city exists.
(a) The fee shall be paid directly to the animal shelter by the person relinquishing the animal at the time of release.
(b) All fees become the property of the city of Stanwood and shall be transmitted to the city of Stanwood in the same manner as other fees are collected and remitted according to the process specified in the current shelter services contract. (Ord. 1389 § 2, 2015; Ord. 1298 § 2, 2011; Ord. 1033, 1998).