2005 Arizona Revised Statutes - Revised Statutes §11-1013  Establishment of county pounds; impounding and disposing of dogs and cats; reclaiming impounded dogs and cats; pound fees

A. The board of supervisors in each county may provide or authorize a county pound or pounds or enter into a cooperative agreement with a city, a veterinarian or an Arizona incorporated humane society for the establishment and operation of a county pound.

B. Any stray dog shall be impounded. All dogs and cats impounded shall be given proper care and maintenance.

C. Each stray dog or any cat impounded shall be kept and maintained at the county pound for a minimum of seventy-two hours unless claimed by its owner. Any person may purchase such a dog or cat upon expiration of the impoundment period, provided such person pays all pound fees established by the county board of supervisors and complies with the licensing and vaccinating provisions of this article. If such dog or cat is to be used for medical research, no license or vaccination shall be required.

D. Any impounded licensed dog or any cat may be reclaimed by its owner or such owner's agent provided that the person reclaiming the dog or cat furnishes proof of his right to do so and pays all pound fees established by the board of supervisors. Any person purchasing such a dog or cat shall pay all pound fees established by the board of supervisors.

E. If the dog or cat is not reclaimed within the impoundment period, the county enforcement agent shall take possession of and may place the dog or cat for sale or may dispose of the dog or cat in a humane manner. The county enforcement agent may destroy impounded sick or injured dogs or cats if destruction is necessary to prevent the dog or cat from suffering or to prevent the spread of disease.