3.03.060 Impoundment

(a) Any animal found running at large shall be impounded by the Animal Control Officer in an animal shelter and confined in a humane manner. Immediately upon impounding the animal, the Animal Control Officer shall make every reasonable effort to notify the owner and inform such owner of the conditions whereby custody of the animal may be regained. Animals not claimed by their owners within a period of five (5) days, shall forfeit ownership of the animal, which shall then become the property of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. Before release an animal to the owner, the owner shall pay a fine of $10 per day including any expenses to the Animal Control Department

(b) When an animal is found running at large and its ownership is verified by the Animal Control Officer, he may exercise the option of serving the owner with a Summons to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Court for a violation of this chapter in lieu of impounding the animal.

(c) Any dog that has been impounded and deemed, by the Animal Control Officer, to be aggressive shall not be released to its owner until that owner has satisfied the Animal Control Office that the aggressive behavior no longer poses a threat to the safety or health of any person or animal or reasonable steps have been undertaken by the owner which ensures the safety of the community.

(1) The owner of an aggressive dog shall keep the dog restrained, as defined in Section 3.03.020 of this chapter, at all times.

(2) Any dog deemed aggressive by the Animal Control Officer may be required, at the officer's discretion, to wear a dangerous dog collar at all times.

(d) In the event that the Animal Control Department finds an animal(s) to be suffering, it shall have the right forthwith to remove or cause to have removed the animal(s) to a safe place for care at the owner's expense; or, to euthanize the animal(s) when necessary to prevent further suffering. Return of an impounded animal(s) to the owner may be withheld until the owner shall have made full payment for the impoundment and for all expenses so incurred.

(e) Disposal of an animal by the Animal Control Office or the owner does not relieve the owner of liability for violations and any accrued charges.