§102.16.  Seizure and destruction or disposition of dangerous or vicious dogs

A.(1)  Any law enforcement officer making an arrest under R.S. 14:102.14 or R.S. 14:102.15 may lawfully take possession of all dogs on the premises where the arrest is made or in the immediate possession or control of the person being arrested.

(2)  The legislature finds and declares that dangerous or vicious dogs are a threat to the health and safety of the public.  Dogs seized in accordance with this Section are declared to be contraband, and the officer may cause them to be impounded pending the hearing held pursuant to R.S. 14:102.13.

B.  A dog determined to be a vicious dog by the court shall be humanely euthanized by the animal control agency, a licensed veterinarian, or a qualified technician.

C.  A dog determined by the court to be a dangerous dog may be humanely euthanized if it is determined that the dog poses an immediate threat to public health and safety.

D.  The owner of the dog shall be liable to the municipality or parish where the dog is impounded for the costs and expenses of keeping the dog if the dog is later adjudicated dangerous or vicious.

Acts 2001, No. 823, §1.