2011 - 07-18-11 Reg. Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chapter 400h 24 Lee County Code Animals lodge, be fed, or be given shelter or refuge in any place over which the person has control. (b) This Section does not apply to: (1) Veterinarian clinics in possession of such animals for treatment or rehabilitation purposes. (2) Any institute or organization, which exists primarily to educate the public in the areas of science and nature; which receives or has received financial support from federal, state, and /or local governments; which has a paid membership open to and composed of members of the general public; which is directed by a Board of Directors or similar body elected by the membership; and which has been declared a 501(c)(3) exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service. (3) Non - resident circuses or carnivals during the period for which they are authorized to operate in the county pursuant to a permit issued by appropriate authority. (4) Persons temporarily transporting such animals through the county provided that such transit time shall not be more than 24 hours. (c) Impoundment Authorized. (1) Any person who harbors an inherently dangerous exotic animal in violation of this Section shall be given a notice of violation by Animal Services and the animal impounded. If the harborer is not present when the animal is impounded, the notice of violation will be posted at the place where the animal was impounded. (2) Any animal impounded pursuant to this Section will be held three (3) business days for the harborer to claim pursuant to paragraph (3) of this Section. However, if the animal cannot be impounded safely by Animal Services or if proper and safe housing cannot be found for the animal, Animal Services shall immediately euthanize the animal. (3) The harborer of the animal can reclaim the animal upon conditions established by the Animal Services Supervisor, and approved by the health director, including that a safe transfer of the animal to an appropriate location outside of the County has been arranged and shall immediately be made. (4) If the harborer does not claim the animal or cannot be located within three (3) business days after impoundment, Animal Services may sell, transfer ownership of, or euthanize the animal at the discretion of the health director. (5) All costs of impoundment and care of the animal will be charged to its harborer regardless of whether the animal is claimed by or returned to said harborer. In the event the animal is reclaimed, such costs shall be paid in full prior to 10