The City of Decatur has a leash law (Section 4-2, Code of Decatur) which states that it is unlawful for the owner or person in charge of any premises to permit or allow any dog or puppy residing there either temporarily or permanently to be off such premises or property unless under the control of a competent person either by leash, chain or other restraint sufficient to physically control said dog or puppy at all times.
The first time a dog or puppy is picked up off premise, if it is wearing identification and someone is home, the dog or puppy may be returned to its home. The second time, the dog or puppy may be brought in to the shelter. Any time after that, the owner may be prosecuted for violation of the leash law.
Reclaim Fees
The fee to claim the dog or puppy is $35.00, with an additional charge of $10.00 per day starting the day after impoundment.
There is an additional unaltered redemption fee of $25.00 for any animal that is not spayed or neutered.
There is also a $9.00 Rabies vaccination fee if the animal is not current on its Rabies shot and the owner cannot provide proof of vaccination.
If an animal is picked up after hours, there will be an additional $40.00 fee to defray overtime costs.
If the animal is not claimed by its owner within a seven-day period, the animal becomes the property of Decatur Animal Services to place for adoption depending on health, temperament and well-being, or to euthanize if it is not suitable for adoption.