KCC §22-17.4
When the county can seize and hold a dangerous dog
Read the official text at ecode360.com ↗If an officer believes a dog broke the law and is an immediate danger to people or animals, the dog can be taken and held. The owner pays for the dog's care. If the owner does not show up in court, the dog may be given up. Refusing to hand over the dog is a crime.
The ordinance, as written (Kauaʻi County) — Citation and Summons—Seizure—Relinquishment of Ownership
A copy, taken August 22, 2026. The version published by Kauaʻi County is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
Upon finding probable cause to believe that there has been a violation of Section 22-17.3(a), an enforcement officer may, in addition to arresting or issuing a summons and citation to the owner pursuant to Section 22-17.3, have the dog seized and impounded if the dog is posing an imminent threat to human beings or to other animals. At the owner's request, such impoundment may be at the premises of a licensed veterinarian or at a commercial kennel of the owner's choosing. All expenses of the boarding and retention of the dog shall be borne by the owner.If a dog is seized and impounded pursuant to this Section, the citation shall notify the owner that if he or she does not appear at the time and place stated in the summons, the dog shall be subject to relinquishment.Any person who refuses to surrender a dog that is subject to seizure and impoundment pursuant to this Section shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor and fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), imprisoned not more than thirty (30) days, or both.
The County of Kauaʻi publishes this code through eCode360 and states that it is provided for information only and should not be considered the official version of the Code.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.