Dog seizure, summons, and giving up ownership

(a) Upon full investigation and finding of probable cause to believe that there has been a violation of § 12-7.2 (a), an enforcement officer shall either arrest or issue a summons and citation to the owner pursuant to § 12-7.2 , and may, in addition, 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. The owner is prohibited from selling or transferring the ownership or physical custody of the dog before the time stated in the summons, and the citation shall notify the owner of this prohibition. This prohibition shall not apply when an owner transfers ownership of the dog to the city animal control service. If a dog is seized and impounded pursuant to this section, the citation shall notify the owner that if the owner does not appear at the time and place stated in the summons, the dog shall be subject to relinquishment pursuant to subsection (b). Any person who refuses to surrender a dog that is subject to relinquishment pursuant to this section shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor and fined not less than $50 nor more than $1,000, imprisoned not more than 30 days, or both. (b) If the owner of a dog seized and impounded pursuant to this section fails to appear in court as required, ownership of the dog shall be deemed relinquished and the court may order disposition of the dog as it deems appropriate. (c) Notwithstanding any relinquishment of ownership of the dog pursuant to subsection (b) or voluntary relinquishment of ownership of the dog, the owner shall still be responsible for all expenses of boarding the dog and any fees and penalties that may be imposed by the court.