§ 6-17. Redemption.

(a)

The owner shall be entitled to resume possession of an impounded pet, except as herein provided in the cases of certain animals, and upon providing proper identification requirements and the payment of redemption fees—$25.00 plus a rabies inoculation fee, if applicable (S.C. Code 1976, § 47-3-40). The inoculation fee shall be waived upon the owner providing proof of a valid rabies inoculation for the year in which the pet is being held. For each day beyond a full day after notification that an animal is impounded, $10.00 per day shall be added to the impoundment fee as a requirement of redemption in addition to the cost of mailing the required notice to the owner. The $25.00 redemption fee shall be deposited with the treasurer of Darlington County and the remainder shall go to the county's agent or to a special animal shelter account maintained by the county treasurer.

(b)

In the case of a dangerous animal which the owner has failed to control properly and which has been impounded, redemption may be made only with the consent of the board of directors of the county humane society and the payment of all fees and charges.

(c)

The owner of an impounded animal must apply for the redemption of his animal. The animal may not be released unless authorized by the shelter officer with written assurance from the owner that proper care and control will be maintained.

(d)

If an owner redeeming a pet cannot show proof of inoculation against rabies for the year in which the pet is being held, the owner shall be required to pay an inoculation fee to include a 50 percent administration fee. The shelter control officer shall thereafter give a coupon to the owner which is redeemable by licensed veterinarians who have agreed to provide the rabies inoculations. The owner shall be given a list of veterinarians who have agreed to provide the rabies inoculation upon presentment of the coupon. The veterinarian may redeem the coupon by returning it to the county or its lawful agent and the veterinarian shall be paid for the inoculation. The remaining amount shall be kept by the county or its lawful agent for administrative costs. The owner shall have five working days from obtaining possession of the impounded pet to have the pet inoculated for rabies. If the inoculation has not been performed within 15 days from reclamation, the county health department shall contact the owner by certified or registered mail to ensure compliance with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Rabies Control Act. If compliance is not immediately made by the owner after being notified by the county health department, the county health department shall enforce compliance with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control Rabies Control Act. Any animal not considered a pet under the existing definition that shall be redeemed by the owner will be charged a fee for the cost of transportation, loading. boarding, and any other expense including but not limited to veterinary care, plus $25.00 (S.C. Code 1976, § 47-5-140).

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