Columbia Expedited hearings ordinance (§ 5-17)
Chapter 5: Animals and Fowl · Article I. In General
In short: If your animal has been impounded, you or the city can ask the municipal court to speed up the trial or any hearing involving the animal, and the court must do so.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
The municipal court, upon request of either party, shall expedite the trial or any hearing involving an impounded animal.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 5-17
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.