Impoundment, redemption, and disposition of livestock.

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-5-12

in effect

Sec. 8-5-12. - Impoundment, redemption, and disposition of livestock. A. Livestock found running at-large in violation of this chapter may be apprehended and placed into the animal shelter. Such livestock shall be held for at least 72 hours during which time the owner may redeem or repossess the same upon payment of reclaim fees for impound, trailering fees, and boarding in accordance with the current fee schedule as defined in this chapter. If not reclaimed or redeemed by the owner within such time, the animal will become the property of the shelter and may be designated for disposition by the animal shelter director or their designee. B. Impoundment fees for any livestock confiscated and held pending a court ruling for violations of section 8-4-1 of this section or any violation of State animal cruelty codes (T.C.A. § 39-14-201, et seq.) must be paid within 72 hours of impoundment for the owner to maintain claim to ownership rights for the animal. If the court determine there is probable cause to proceed with the charges at the owner's first appearance in court, a security bond order will be issued by the presiding judge to cover boarding and additional fees in accordance with the current fee schedule as defined in this chapter. The security bond order shall be in an amount sufficient to cover all expenses from the date of impoundment through the date of the trial and shall be paid within ten days of the issuance of said order or ownership of the pet is forfeited to Memphis Animal Services. Should the trial date be reset for a later date, the owner of the animal will be presented with an updated security bond order at the next scheduled court appearance, which will also require payment within ten days of the issuance of said order or ownership of the pet is forfeited to Memphis Animal Services. (Ord. No. 5843, § 1, 7-11-2023)

Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8AN_CH8-5MEANSE_S8-5-12IMREDILIFetched: 10/28/2026