6.04.060 - Special procedures in destruction and removal cases.

A.

Appeals from a decision to destroy or remove an animal must be submitted within five days of impoundment.

B.

Appeals from a decision to destroy or remove an animal shall be heard in an expedited fashion to avoid undue suffering or distress to the animal, to avoid additional boarding fees to the owner, and to avoid additional costs for the city.

C.

Upon receiving a notice of appeal from such a decision, the administrative law judge shall set a hearing date to be held within ten calendar days of receiving the notice of appeal, or as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

D.

The administrative law judge shall render a decision at the hearing if possible, or if the matter is taken under advisement shall render a decision within five calendar days.

E.

A person who appeals a destruction or removal decision must, at the time of appeal, prepay all accrued boarding fees, and provide a bond as required in Section 6.08.090.

F.

An animal in the custody of the city which is the subject of a destruction or removal order shall not be released prior to a hearing.

G.

An order of destruction or removal may permit animal control officers to place the animal with another owner or a rehabilitation facility, if such placement is appropriate under the circumstances at the sole discretion of the animal control supervisor.

H.

A person who further appeals an order of destruction issued by the administrative law judge to the district court shall post bond for an additional thirty (30) days. The person shall take steps to expedite the district court proceedings.

(Ord. No. 2015-04, 4-22-2015)