A. Term. Animals shall be impounded for a minimum of three business days before further disposition unless the animal is wearing a license tag or other identification, in which case it shall be held a minimum of five calendar days. Reasonable efforts shall be made to notify the owner of any animal wearing a license or other identification during that time. Notice shall be deemed given when sent to the last known address of the listed owner. Any animal voluntarily relinquished to the animal control facility by the owner thereof for destruction or other disposition need not be kept for the minimum holding period before release or other disposition.

B. Destruction, Disposal, or Adoption. All animals, except those quarantined or confined by court order, or those subject to Section 4-25-4 of the Utah Code Annotated, as amended, which are held longer than the minimum impound period, and all animals voluntarily relinquished to the division’s animal facility, may be destroyed or disposed of as the director or the division shall direct. Any healthy pet may be adopted to any qualifying person desiring to adopt such animal, for a price as published in the current fee schedule. The division shall require the sterilization of any healthy dog, cat, ferret or rabbit sold or released under this chapter and shall also comply with any applicable requirements established by Section 17-42-101 et seq. of the Utah Code Annotated, as amended, or other applicable state law.

C. Injured Animal Released to Veterinarian. Any licensed animal impounded and having or suspected of having serious physical injury or contagious disease requiring medical attention may, in the division’s discretion, be released to the care of a veterinarian with the consent of the owner.

D. Destruction without Time Limitations. When, in the division’s judgment, it is determined that an animal should be destroyed for humane reasons or to protect the public from imminent danger to persons or property, such animal may be destroyed without regard to any time limitations otherwise established in this title, and without court order.

E. Destruction upon Request of Owner. The division may destroy an animal upon the request of an owner without transporting the animal to the division’s animal facility. An appropriate fee shall be charged the owner for the destruction and any subsequent disposal of the carcass performed by the division. (Ord. 2018-06 § 1 (Exh. A (part)); Ord. 2012-12 § 2 (Exh. A (part)))