§ 6-16. Impoundment.

(a)

Immediately after impounding any animal, the shelter officer shall make a reasonable effort to notify the owner of its impoundment and to inform the owner of the conditions whereby he can regain custody of the animal.

(b)

Any animal, without an inoculation tag or other identification, which is impounded under the provisions of this Article and is not claimed by its owner within four (4) business days will become the property of Darlington County or its lawful agent and may be humanely destroyed by Darlington County or its lawful agent or placed for adoption.

(c)

Any animals that are deemed by the county rabies control officer or the senior shelter officer to be sick and/or injured, unweaned or dangerous to humans or other animals may be euthanized immediately.

(d)

Animals with an inoculation tag or other identification shall become the property of Darlington County or its agent upon receiving the owner's written permission, two weeks after the owner has been notified by certified mail to the owner's last known address that the animal is in the possession of the county or its agent. (S.C. Code 1976, § 47-3-540). Once the animal has become the property of the county or its agent, the animal may be humanely destroyed or adopted out.

(Ord. No. 98-3, 4-6-98)