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2023 ORDINANCE Page 12 of 19 <br /> <br /> 5. Administration shall decide the most cost-effective means to spay and neuter animals prior to <br />adoption. <br /> 6. The owner of any animal retained at the shelter pending legal action pertaining to violations of <br />this chapter and/or other judicial actions or hearings, pertaining to the owner’s <br />ownership/responsibilities regarding the animal, shall be liable for all fees prescribed by fee schedule, <br />upon conviction. <br /> 7. The manager shall dispose of animals held for the prescribed period without redemption or <br />adoption only by means of euthanasia; provided, however, that irrespective of any prescribed holding <br />period the manager, upon advice of a licensed veterinarian, may immediately dispose of any sick or <br />injured impounded animal by euthanasia. <br /> 8. The decision of whether to release an animal to an individual for the purposes of adoption shall <br />be discretionary with the manager or the manager’s designee. In making the determination the manager <br />or the manager’s designee shall base the decision on what is in the best interest of the animal and what <br />is in the best interest of public safety. Factors which shall be considered include, but are not limited to, <br />the age of the individual requesting adoption, the premises where the animal will be kept, condition, <br />size and/or temperament of the animal. Dogs which have been declared dangerous under the provisions <br />of Chapter 6.08 EMC or Chapter 16.08 RCW, or potentially dangerous under the provisions of Chapter <br />6.08 EMC, will not be available for adoption. <br /> <br />H. Removal of Animals for Feeding and Care. <br /> 1. If a law enforcement officer or animal control officer has probable cause to believe that an <br />owner of a domestic animal has violated EMC 6.04.070(C) or Chapter 16.52 RCW, or a person owns, <br />cares for, or resides with an animal in violation of an order issued under EMC 6.04.070(D) or 6.04.140 or <br />RCW 16.52.200(4), or is in possession of an animal in violation of a court order from any jurisdiction due <br />to a prior criminal animal cruelty conviction, and no responsible person can be found to assume the <br />animal’s care, the officer, after obtaining a may authorize, with a warrant, may enter the premises <br />where the animal is located and seize the animal. the removal of the animal to the shelter or other <br />suitable place for feeding and care. In determining what is a suitable place, the officer shall consider the <br />animal’s needs, including its size and behavioral characteristics. An officer may remove an animal under <br />this subsection without a warrant only if the animal is in an immediate life-threatening condition. <br /> 2. If a law enforcement officer or an animal control officer has probable cause to believe an <br />animal is in imminent danger or is suffering serious physical injury or infirmity, or needs immediate <br />medical attention, a violation of EMC 6.04.070(C) or Chapter 16.52 RCW has occurred, the officer may <br />authorize an examination of a domestic animal allegedly neglected or abused in violation of EMC <br />6.04.070(C) or Chapter 16.52 RCW by a veterinarian to determine whether the level of neglect or abuse <br />in violation of EMC 6.04.070(C) or Chapter 16.52 RCW is sufficient to require removal of the animal. This <br />section does not condone illegal entry onto private property. enter onto private property without a <br />warrant to: <br />a. Render emergency aid to the animal; or <br />b. Seize the animal without a warrant. Any animal seized without a warrant shall immediately be