7.08.080 Impoundment – Fees.
A. For every dog impounded pursuant to this chapter, there shall be paid to the animal control authority, by any person desiring to redeem such animal, the total of the following fees before the dog is released from impoundment:
1. A fee of $40.00 for the first impoundment in any 12-month period;
2. A fee of $60.00 for the second impoundment in any 12-month period;
3. A fee of $80.00 for the third impoundment in any 12-month period;
4. A fee of $150.00 for the fourth and any subsequent impoundment in any 12-month period;
5. For a dog over three months of age that is unsterilized, the fee shall be increased by an additional $20.00. Upon the first impoundment in a 12-month period of an unsterilized dog, the owner shall be charged the fee for a sterilized dog if the owner agrees that the dog be sterilized prior to its redemption. For a dog over three months of age that is not wearing a valid license at the time it is impounded, the fee shall be increased by an additional $20.00. In addition, a current dog license must be obtained before a dog over three months of age is released.
B. In addition to the impoundment fee, the animal control authority may require payment of a reasonable amount per day per dog for costs of boarding. This amount shall be set in accordance with the boarding fee provided in the contract between the city of Bellingham and the animal control authority and shall be paid prior to the release of the animal.
C. Fees provided for in this section can be waived or reduced at the discretion of the director of the animal control authority, if it can be determined that the owner did not otherwise violate the terms of this chapter. [Ord. 2002-07-056 § 2; Ord. 10468 § 2, 1993].