§ 4-171. Evaluation of animal taken into custody.

(a)

In general. An ACO who takes an animal into custody shall transfer custody of the animal to the animal shelter. Animal shelter personnel shall evaluate the animal to determine: (a) whether it bears any identification, which evaluation shall include a microchip scan, if applicable, under S.C. Code 1976, §§ 47-3-55(A) and (D); and (b) whether it is qualified for impoundment.

(b)

Notice. If the evaluation reveals that it is positively identifiable, then animal shelter personnel shall make a good faith effort to contact the keeper as required by S.C. Code 1976, § 47-3-540. If the animal is qualified for impoundment, regardless of whether it is or is not positively identifiable, the animal shelter shall post public notice of the animal's impoundment.

(c)

Impoundment. If the animal is qualified for impoundment, animal shelter personnel shall establish the applicable impoundment period in accordance with subsection 4-172(a). If the animal is disqualified from impoundment pursuant to subsection 4-172(b), then the animal shall be euthanized.

(Ord. No. 2009-12-07-12 , § I.B, 12-7-2009)