6.04.180 Impoundment and recovery of dogs at large—Fees and charges.
A. Fees for impounding, boarding, dog-at-large, breeding permits and as otherwise provided for in this chapter shall be as established by resolution of the city council and updated periodically. Any such fees may provide for reduced fees where appropriate for example for low income households.
B. Initial Impoundments.
1. Licensed Sterilized Dogs. For a currently licensed dog that has been spayed or neutered, the reclaiming owner may be cited for dog-at-large fee, boarding and impounding fees.
2. Licensed Unsterilized Dogs. For a license but unsterilized dog, the first-time impounding fee may be waived at the request of the reclaiming owner provided that, prior to the release of the dog, the “delivery to veterinarian” procedure, as defined below, is followed. An owner refusing to follow the “delivery to veterinarian” procedure shall pay all fees in full before release of the dog.
3. Delivery to Veterinarian.
a. The owner shall deposit the requisite spay neuter fee with a licensed veterinarian. In return, the veterinarian shall provide the owner with a receipt certifying that sterilization of the animal has been paid for and scheduled, or that health-related considerations preclude sterilization in which case any deposit shall be returned to the owner.
b. Sterilization under this procedure shall take place no later than ten days after release of a dog of age six months or older. For younger animals, sterilization shall take place within ten days after reaching the appropriate age (six months). In the event of failure to meet the appropriate deadline, the deposit shall be forfeited and, after deducting reasonable costs, the veterinarian shall return the remainder to the city or its designee to be used for animal-related purposes.
4. Unlicensed Dogs. There shall be one fee for spayed or neutered dogs at large and one fee for unspayed or unneutered dogs at large. Before release of an unlicensed dog, the reclaiming owner shall be required to obtain a valid dog license, pay all fees in full and, in cases of unsterilized animals, follow the “delivery to veterinarian” procedure or pay the dog-at-large fee.
C. Subsequent Impoundments. Prior to release of any dog impounded for a subsequent time, a current license shall be required and all impoundment and boarding fees shall be paid. If the dog is unsterilized, the “delivery to veterinarian” procedure set forth above shall be followed, unless the dog-at-large fee is paid by the owner.
D. If the owner of an impounded dog elects to abandon the dog, the owner shall be responsible for and shall pay the city or its designee impoundment and boarding costs, dog-at-large fees, euthanasia fee and all fees associated with the disposal of the animal. (Ord. 93-11 § 5, 1993)