§ 3-4-41. Generally.

(a)

Other than those animals impounded for quarantine or animal cruelty, animals shall be kept at the animal shelter for a period of not less than four (4) calendar days, excluding Sunday and county holidays, unless reclaimed by the owner within such period. After such time, the animals shall be deemed permanently relinquished to Henry County Animal Care and Control and may be immediately adopted, destroyed or otherwise disposed of as though it had been impounded.

(b)

Wildlife and wild animals as defined by this chapter which have been captured by or come to be in the custody of Henry County Animal Care and Control shall not be deemed impounded and need not be retained for any minimum length of time. Wildlife and wild animals received by Henry County Animal Care and Control will be disposed of in accordance with federal and state guidelines.

(c)

Any animal which is voluntarily surrendered to Henry County Animal Care and Control shall be deemed permanently relinquished to Henry County Animal Care and Control and may be immediately adopted, destroyed or otherwise disposed of as though it had been impounded.

(d)

Any impounded animal not claimed within four (4) calendar days (excluding Sunday and county holidays) of impound shall be considered relinquished to Henry County Animal Care and Control, in which event all rights of ownership shall vest in Henry County Animal Care and Control and the owner shall have no further claim to such animal.

(e)

Henry County Animal Care and Control shall have the exclusive right to dispose of all animals that have been deemed relinquished to Henry County Animal Care and Control in any manner deemed appropriate and in the best interest of the animal and in accordance with this chapter.

(f)

Animals shall not be provided to any public or private institution, animal dealer or other individual who may use or supply the animal for research purposes.

(Ord. No. 12-12, § II, 7-16-12)