Each municipal or county animal control officer shall hold or cause to be held at an animal shelter any unidentified or unclaimed stray animal, and any other animal taken into custody by the municipal or county animal control officer, in safe and humane custody for a minimum of five business days after the time of impound and prior to making any final disposition of the animal.
(2)
An animal shelter shall ensure that a record of each held animal is maintained that includes the:
(a)
date of impound;
(b)
date of disposition; and
(c)
method of disposition, which may be:
(i)
placement in an adoptive home or other transfer of the animal, which shall be in accordance with Part 2, Animal Shelter Pet Sterilization Act;
(ii)
return to the animal's owner;
(iii)
placement in a community cat program as defined in Section 11-46-302; or
(iv)
euthanasia in accordance with Part 4, Euthanasia of Shelter Animals.
(3)
An impounded animal may be euthanized before the completion of the five working day minimum holding period to prevent unnecessary suffering due to serious injury or disease if the euthanasia complies with:
(a)
written agency or department policies and procedures;
(b)
local ordinances; and
(c)
Part 4, Euthanasia of Shelter Animals.
(4)
An impounded animal shall be returned to the animal's owner upon:
(a)
the establishment of proof of ownership;
(b)
compliance with the requirements of applicable local ordinances; and
(c)
compliance with Part 2, Animal Shelter Pet Sterilization Act.
Section 11-46-103 ("Stray animals -- Impounded animals") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 11-46-103?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 11-46-103" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 11-46-103 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
