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 Tulsa
 Code of Ordinances
 Title 2. ANIMALS
 Chapter 1. DEFINITIONS; REGULATION GENERALLY

  § 108. Animal a nuisance.  

Latest version.

  • A.

    It shall be the duty of WIN and the Chief of Police to investigate any proper claim that an animal is a nuisance within the meaning of this chapter. Should the investigating official determine that a nuisance exists and it is necessary to abate the nuisance or should the official have reason to believe a threat to public health or safety exists, he shall refer the matter to the City Attorney for approval of a verified complaint and an order from the court that the animal be impounded. Following the filing of such verified complaint and an evidentiary hearing, if the court finds upon a preponderance of the evidence that a nuisance existed, the court may order the animal euthanized as in the case of a vicious animal. In lieu of ordering the animal euthanized, the court shall, at the request of the animal owner, require that the owner abate and prevent such nuisance and give a good and sufficient bond within three (3) days, in an amount not greater than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), satisfactory for a period not exceeding one (1) year. In this event, the court may order the return of such animal to the owner. However, during the pendency of such bond, upon a finding of the court that the nuisance has recurred, the court shall order the animal be impounded, euthanized and the owner's bond be forfeited. If the court shall find that no nuisance existed, the court shall order the animal be surrendered to the owner.

    B.

    At the option of the owner, but subject to the approval of WIN, an animal impounded pursuant to this section may be confined in a private kennel or veterinary clinic during the pendency of the nuisance action. The operators of the facility shall then assume full liability for the confinement and maintenance of such animal and shall not release it without first being authorized by WIN or the court. All fees for such impoundment shall be the responsibility of the owner. In no event shall the City of Tulsa be liable for costs or fees charged by the private facility. Further, the City may assess to the owner the cost of transporting the animal to the privately operated impoundment facility.

    C.

    Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the release from impoundment of any animal not properly licensed and vaccinated, or a threat to public health or safety.

(Ord. Nos. 19038, 19143, 19433; Ord. No. 21979, § 1, 12-18-2008)