7.12.050 Impoundment – Fees.
The animal control authority is authorized to charge and collect the following fees for services rendered under this chapter:
A. Impoundment Fee. For every animal other than a 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 animal is released from impoundment:
1. Smaller Animals (Including Cats, Birds, Rabbits, Rodents, and Small Reptiles).
a. A fee of $25.00 for the first impoundment in any 12-month period;
b. A fee of $45.00 for the second impoundment in any 12-month period;
c. A fee of $65.00 for the third impoundment in any 12-month period;
d. A fee of $100.00 for the fourth or any subsequent impoundment in any 12-month period;
e. For any cat over three months of age that is unsterilized at the time of redemption, the fee shall be increased by an additional $20.00. For any cat over three months of age that is impounded without identification, the fee shall be increased by an additional $20.00.
2. Smaller Livestock (Including Goats and Sheep).
a. A fee of $60.00 for the first impoundment in any 12-month period;
b. A fee of $80.00 for the second impoundment in any 12-month period;
c. A fee of $100.00 for the third impoundment in any 12-month period;
d. A fee of $150.00 for the fourth or any subsequent impoundment in any 12-month period.
3. Larger Livestock (Including Horses and Cattle) and Other Large Animals.
a. A fee of $75.00 for the first impoundment in any 12-month period;
b. A fee of $100.00 for the second impoundment in any 12-month period;
c. A fee of $125.00 for the third impoundment in any 12-month period;
d. A fee of $200.00 for the fourth or any subsequent impoundment in any 12-month period.
B. In addition to the impoundment fee, the animal control authority may require payment of a reasonable amount per day per animal for costs of boarding. This amount shall be set in accordance with the boarding fee schedule provided in the contract between the city of Bellingham and the animal control authority, and shall be paid prior to release of the animal.
C. Costs of advertising and sale of the animal may also be assessed and required to be paid prior to release of the animal.
D. Any necessary additional expenses incurred by the animal control authority to care for the animal may also be assessed. These may include but are not limited to necessary veterinary care and special transportation expenses. [Ord. 2002-07-056 § 3; Ord. 10468 § 2, 1993].