Impounding of Animals.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 78-21
in effect78-21. Impounding of Animals.
1. IMPOUNDING. Any police officer or humane officer finding an animal at large may seize the animal and impound it in the place designated by the commissioner. The commissioner may also cause the seizure and impoundment of animals at large.
2. REPOSSESSION OF IMPOUNDED ANIMALS. a. The possession of any animal seized or impounded by a humane officer or law enforcement shall be restored to the owner or caretaker upon compliance with the conditions set forth in this subsection. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize any conduct prohibited under s. 173.07(6), Wis. Stats.
b. In addition to the reclamation fee required under sub. 60-5-1, a daily fee for boarding shall be assessed for each calendar day, or portion thereof, during which the animal is held in impoundment. The amount of the daily fee shall be determined by the designated impound facility, animal control commission, or animal control contractor in accordance with its current fee schedule.
c. The designated impound facility, animal control commission, or animal control contractor may assess additional fees for veterinary care, administrative processing, or other services provided during the period of impoundment, as authorized under s.173.23(1), Wis. Stats., and any applicable policy.
d. If the animal is an unlicensed dog or cat, the owner shall obtain a valid license and pay any applicable licensing fees prior to release of the animal by the impound facility, animal control commission, or animal control contractor.
e. No animal shall be released from animal control contractor, or shelter, or impound facility custody until all required fees under this section have been paid in full and all applicable licensing requirements have been met.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-1/CH78.pdf#page=15Fetched: 10/26/2026