§ 14-56. Impoundment.

(a)

It shall be the duty of the supervisor of the animal control operation to take up and take charge of any livestock, including but not limited to cattle, mules, horses, hogs, sheep and goats, found to be in violation of any of the regulations and controls as stated in this article, and to take such animals to the animal control shelter, there to be impounded and detained for a period of not less than five calendar days. Unless the livestock is claimed by its owner in person within the time stated in this subsection, all rights to the animal by the owner shall be forfeited and title shall pass at the end of five days to the animal control program.

(b)

The owner of any impounded livestock may, upon presentation of satisfactory proof of ownership, reclaim the livestock upon payment of the following charges and fees, where applicable; provided that, if such livestock has injured anyone or has rabies or is suspected of having rabies, the livestock must be held for at least ten days for observation:

(1)

An impounding fee as established by the city.

(2)

A boarding fee as established by the city.

(c)

Any livestock impounded and not reclaimed by the original owner within the five-day period may be offered for sale by the animal control program for the amount of the accrued fees against the livestock. The original owner of the livestock may reclaim the livestock within 30 days of the sale by paying the purchaser an amount of twice the sum paid for the animal when bought from the animal control center.

(d)

Any livestock impounded and taken to the animal control shelter that is not reclaimed or sold may be disposed of in a manner at the discretion of the supervisor, provided the required time as described in this section has elapsed. The animal may be destroyed in a humane manner unless, in the discretion of the supervisor, there is justification for detention for a longer period of time.

(e)

Any livestock which is diseased or severely injured at the time of impoundment may, at the discretion of the supervisor, be destroyed in a humane manner immediately and without waiting the prescribed five days. This action may be taken if, in the opinion of the supervisor, the livestock's condition is such that imminent destruction is necessary as a humane gesture, and for the protection of other livestock or animals with which the livestock may come into contact.

(f)

Any livestock impounded and taken to the animal control shelter and held for the prescribed five-day period and not claimed or sold may be requested by and sold to any medical college conducting research, within the discretion of the supervisor.

(Code 1976, § 5-24)

State law reference

Authority to impound livestock, R.S. 3:2531.