§ 10-403. Abandonment of animal.

(a) "Abandon" defined.

In this section, "abandon" means to desert, forsake, or absolutely give up an animal without having secured another owner or custodian for the animal's care.

(b) Abandonment prohibited.

No person may abandon any animal that the person owns, keeps, restrains, or confines, whether as a pet or for any other purpose.

(c) Impounded animals not reclaimed.

If an animal has been impounded and is not reclaimed by its owner or custodian after having been impounded for 72 hours, the animal is considered to be abandoned and becomes the property of the City.

(d) Exception – Transfer to Office or shelter.

If a person releases and transfers ownership of an animal to the Office or to an animal shelter, that is not an abandonment.

(e) Exception – Release by feral cat caregiver.

If a feral cat caregiver releases a feral cat in accordance with an approved program to trap, alter, vaccinate, ear tip, and return feral cats, the feral cat is not considered abandoned.