Sec. 5-143. - Impoundment fees.

(a)

The director shall charge the owner of each impounded animal an impoundment fee, the amount of which shall be established pursuant to Section 5-4. In addition, the director shall charge the owner of each impounded animal a boarding fee sufficient to defray the cost of keeping the animal during its impoundment, as determined by the director. The impoundment and boarding fees shall be collected when an impounded animal is claimed and before release.

(b)

The director may, in cases of hardship, reduce or waive the impoundment and boarding fees otherwise due for an impounded animal, except in the case where the owner of the animal has been convicted within the last five (5) years by any court of law for any violation of this chapter or any other law relating to animals, public nuisance caused by animals, or cruelty to animals in this or any other state. For purposes of this section, forfeiture of bail shall be deemed to be a conviction of the offense charged. The director shall determine hardship on the basis of the following standard: hardship is a proven inability to meet ongoing family expenses for the necessities of living, that is, food, clothing and shelter.

(Ord. No. 4910 § 3, 1995.)