A. Any animal subjected to cruelty in KIBC 6.04.020 may, if the owner cannot be contacted, be removed and impounded into protective custody by an animal control officer or enforcement officer.

B. Any animal willfully subjected to cruelty as described in KIBC 6.04.020, or in the judgment of a licensed veterinarian that the animal’s life reasonably appears to be endangered, shall be removed and impounded into protective custody by an animal control officer or enforcement officer pending a court appearance.

C. Immediately upon impounding the animal, the animal control officer or enforcement officer shall notify the animal’s keeper. If the animal’s keeper fails to come forward within 120 hours, the animal shall be put up for adoption as in KIBC 6.04.230(D)(6). Custody of the animal may not be regained by the keeper while a prosecution for cruelty is pending. When, in the judgment of a licensed veterinarian, an animal impounded should be destroyed for humane or health reasons, the animal shall be immediately destroyed.

D. A person charged and convicted of cruelty to animals shall be liable for all fees, including veterinary fees, incurred to impound the animal. [Ord. 96-12 §2, 1996. Formerly §6.04.011].