What is the process called when an animal is seized by an animal control officer?

The process of seizing an animal by an animal control officer is known as impoundment. This term specifically refers to the act of taking custody of an animal, usually due to concerns about the animal's welfare, potential dangers it may pose to the community, or violations of local ordinances regarding pet ownership. Impoundment typically occurs when an animal is found wandering, abandoned, or in distress, and it is taken to a designated shelter or facility for care, assessment, and potential adoption.

The significance of using the term "impoundment" lies in the legal and procedural aspects involved; it signifies that the animal is placed under the authority of the animal control agency. The agency is responsible for the animal's wellbeing during this period, and it also allows for a structured process to reunite lost animals with their owners or to put them up for adoption if necessary.

While terms like capture, rescue, or detention may imply similar actions related to animals, they do not encompass the full legal and procedural framework that "impoundment" conveys in the context of animal control practices.