ARTICLE V. - ANIMAL CONTROL AND IMPOUNDMENT
Part of the Code of Ordinances of Hopkinton, RI.
The text
Sec. 4-60. - Destruction of certain animals.#
(a)
When any animal has been examined by a licensed veterinarian and in his or her opinion such animal should be destroyed for humane reasons, such animal may not be reclaimed or placed into the custody of another.
(b)
Under emergency circumstances, the animal control officer may destroy any animal in a humane manner; however, the animal control officer must first have made every effort to communicate with its owner if known, and must have made every possible effort to have had the services of a licensed veterinarian either to care for such animal at the location of the incident or if possible transport the animal to the office of a licensed veterinarian.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-61. - Admission of animals to pound may be restricted.#
The town and/or the animal control officer shall not be obligated to accept any animal which is privately owned into the animal shelter. If this action is deemed to be necessary to assure humane treatment of the animal, the owner shall be charged for such care and disposition in the amount not exceeding one-hundred dollars ($100.00).
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-62. - Investigations.#
In the discharge of the duties imposed on the animal control officer, such officer shall have the right and authority at all reasonable times to inspect any premises to examine any animal for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter. Such animal control officer shall have the authority to remove any animal from any property after such procedures required for the removal of any property from either private or public property has been adhered to.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-63. - Hindrance of officer.#
Any person who interferes with, hinders, or molests the animal control officer in the performance of his or her duties, or attempts, without authorization, to release any animal in the custody of the animal control officer shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor. Such a person shall be prosecuted in municipal court and shall be subject to imprisonment for a term not exceeding thirty (30) days, or a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), or both. Each day of violation shall be a separate offense.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-64. - Records.#
It shall be the duty of every animal control officer to keep or cause to be kept accurate records of all impoundments and the disposition of such animals, in accordance with R.I.G.L. § 4-19-12(b)(3).
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-65. - Disposition of fees.#
All moneys received from the licensing of dogs, impoundment of animals, or payment of fines under this chapter shall be used for the maintenance and expenses of the animal shelter of the town and the upkeep of the animal control programs of the town.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-66 - . liability of owner for costs of disposal.#
Any owner of any animal who desires to dispose of the animal shall be required to assume that responsibility and cost.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-67. - Census.#
The Animal Control Officer shall comply with the census requirement set forth in R.I.G.L. § 4-13-11.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-68. - Authorized disposal and adoption.#
(a)
Any animal found at large shall be taken up by the animal control officer, impounded and confined in a humane manner. The animal control officer shall make a prompt and reasonable attempt to locate and notify the owner of an impounded animal. An impounded animal without visible identification shall be scanned for a microchip.
(b)
Any animal not claimed by its owner within ten (10) days may be disposed of in a humane manner at the discretion of the animal control officer except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(c)
The animal control officer may grant custody of any animal not claimed within the specified time to any other person which in his or her opinion will be given responsible and suitable care and will agree to comply with the provisions of this chapter and such other ordinances which shall be adopted by the town. Any person adopting an animal from the animal shelter shall comply with all sections of the animal shelter adoption policy.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-69. - Animals considered abandoned.#
If an animal with or without identification is impounded, and the owner of the animal does not claim and take custody of the animal within ten (10) business days of the date of impoundment, the animal may be considered abandoned and may become the property of the town. An animal that is the property of the town may be offered for adoption. No abandoned animal shall be given or sold to a laboratory for experimentation or testing.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-70. - Notice to owner.#
Immediately upon impoundment of any animal, the animal control officer shall make reasonable effort to notify the owner of such animal. If the owner becomes known the animal control officer shall make known to him or her the condition of the animal as well as the conditions and methods to be employed to regain custody of such animal.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-71. - Animals other than dogs.#
Any animal, other than a dog, which is found to be running at large within the limits of the town may be impounded and disposed of in accordance with law when such action is required to protect the animal and/or to protect the citizens of the town or their property.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-72. - Identification of dogs.#
Every owner or guardian of a dog shall cause such dog to wear a collar around its neck distinctly marked with its owner's or keeper's name and with its registered number. The animal control officer may cause any dog not so collared to be impounded, disposed of or destroyed in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
State Law reference— R.I.G.L. § 4-13-15
Sec. 4-73. - Redemption.#
Every owner shall be entitled to gain possession of any animal which becomes impounded, except as otherwise provided in this chapter; however, no animal can be reclaimed by its owner until all impoundment fees and fines as set forth herein have been paid to the town, including all veterinary fees attributed to the care of the animal involved while so impounded and any fines imposed pursuant to section 4-75. Every owner shall be required to show proof of ownership prior to reclaiming any animal, such proof to be of any nature which is to the satisfaction of the animal control officer.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
Sec. 4-74. - Return of impounded animals.#
(a)
The owner of an impounded animal shall pay fifteen ($15.00) dollars a day for each day of impoundment to defray the expenses of impoundment. Payment shall be made before the animal is released.
(b)
No impounded dog required to be licensed shall be returned to its owner unless the dog is licensed and is wearing a collar with the license tag and a tag displaying the owner's name.
(c)
No impounded cat required to have identification shall be returned to its owner unless the cat has identification required by section 4-88 of this chapter, or the owner provides the animal control officer with evidence that arrangements have been made to affix such identification.
(d)
No impounded cat required to be spayed or neutered shall be returned to its owner unless the owner provides the animal control officer with evidence that arrangements have been made to spay or neuter the cat within thirty (30) days.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)
State Law reference— R.I.G.L. §§ 4-1-26, 4-13-15, 4-22-5
Sec. 4-75. - Fines and penalties.#
Any animal impounded under the provisions of this article may be reclaimed as herein provided upon payment by its owner or keeper to the animal control officer the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) for the first offense, one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the second offense within a year, and one hundred fifty ($150.00) for the third and any subsequent offense within a year.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23; Ch. 294, 3-4-24)
Sec. 4-76. - Animal control officer—Qualifications.#
Any person employed by the Town as an animal control officer shall be required to comply with the certification requirements set forth in R.I.G.L. § 4-19-22.
(Ch. 291, 12-4-23)