What term describes the process of seizing an animal by an animal control officer?

The term that describes the process of seizing an animal by an animal control officer is "impoundment." This terminology is specific to the legal and procedural context in which animals are taken into custody by authorities, usually for their safety or the safety of the public. Impoundment involves bringing an animal into a controlled environment, such as a shelter or facility, where it can be cared for, assessed for health and behavior, and potentially reunited with its owner or adopted out to a new home.

Capture, while related, typically refers to the act of physically catching or trapping an animal without the context of legal authority or welfare considerations. Similarly, detainment usually implies holding someone or something temporarily, and while it could apply to animals in certain situations, it lacks the specific association with animal welfare and control. Rescue conveys a sense of saving an animal from distress or danger but does not specifically cover the formal procedure of seizing an animal by an officer. Impoundment is the most accurate term within the framework of animal control work, emphasizing both the authority of the officer and the intention to provide care and safety for the animal.