HRS §143-12
When officials can take and put down sick dogs
Police or animal control can catch and kill a dog running loose if it is clearly sick and a danger to people or animals. They must tell the owner first if they can find them. If the owner takes the dog back and does not get it treated or put down right away, they commit a crime.
The statute, as written — Seizure and disposal of diseased dogs; penalty
Any police officer or animal control officer may seize and, after notice to the owner if the owner can be found, may kill any dog running at large which is so obviously diseased as to be a menace to the health of persons or animals. Any owner of any dog so diseased, who recovers the dog from the police officer or animal control officer, after notice as aforesaid, and does not furnish forthwith suitable medical treatment and care for, or destroy, the diseased dog, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
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