§ 5-13. Impoundment.

(a)

Any dog or unvaccinated or unsterilized cat found to be running at large within the city, or any dog or cat found not wearing a collar or harness to which is attached a metal vaccination-registration tag showing that the dog or cat has been vaccinated against rabies and registered may be impounded in the city animal shelter. The owner of a dog or cat which has been impounded under this section may reclaim such animal upon payment of the impoundment fees, handling charges, and any veterinarian bills incurred by the city's animal services office for the welfare of the animal and upon compliance with the vaccination and registration provisions of this chapter. The owner of any impounded dog or cat, including those released from quarantine, shall have a microchip implanted in the animal by the animal services manager prior to being permitted to repossess such dog or cat.

(b)

Any dog or cat impounded under this section which is not reclaimed by the owner within seventy-two (72) hours of impoundment shall become the property of the City of Grand Prairie, and may be placed for adoption, transferred to rescue/foster organizations/individuals, transferred to other humane organizations, or destroyed humanely. All animals that are voluntarily surrendered to the animal services manager shall immediately become the property of the City of Grand Prairie, and the animal services manager shall be authorized to determine the appropriate disposition.

(Ord. No. 9729-2014, § 1, 6-17-14; Ord. No. 10037-2016, § 1, 5-3-16)