§ 6-85. Wild animals—Initial impoundment.

(a)

The animal control officer shall seize all animals found to be in violation of section 6-21 hereof and impound the same. Where city facilities are insufficient or otherwise inadequate to impound any such animal, the animal control officer shall take any reasonable and necessary steps to secure the impoundment of such animal within or outside the city, in whatever facilities may be available at the time.

(b)

The owner of a seized wild animal may recover the same upon a showing of ownership to the animal control officer. Such will be evidenced by written documentation clearly denoting ownership of the animal in question. Prior to such recovery, the owner shall also provide to the animal control officer:

(1)

A sworn affidavit setting forth the location at which the animal will be kept, and that he will not allow such animal to be within the city;

(2)

An agreement that he will indemnify and hold harmless the City of Pearland from any and all liability resulting in any way from the keeping of such animal; and

(3)

A waiver form approved by the city attorney authorizing the disposal and/or destruction of the animal should any further impoundments occur or become necessary.

(c)

If recovery under subsection (b) hereof has not been affected within ten (10) days after impoundment, the animal control officer shall be authorized to offer such animal to a zoo or wildlife refuge, or to destroy the animal if same remains unclaimed for an additional ten (10) days.

(Ord. No. 528-8, § 1, 11-11-13)