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Board discusses whether surrendering animals lets owners avoid citations
Summary
Members debated handling repeat offenders whose animals run at large and whether owner surrender should allow them to avoid citations; staff said the city cannot charge fees that are not in the ordinance and will review current ordinances and state statute allowances with the chief.
Board members raised concerns that some owners use owner-surrenders to avoid citations for animals running at large. Shelter staff and the chief discussed local practice and enforcement options, including the city’s $35 reclaim fee and possible citation policies for repeat offenders.
"Just have to you know, don't give them 3 times. Give them 1 time, and after that, just Yeah," Chief Oliver (as recorded in the transcript) said in response to whether additional enforcement beyond a class C citation is possible for habitual offenders. Staff noted the city cannot impose fees or penalties not authorized by the fee ordinance and said a review of ordinance language and applicable statute will be needed if the board seeks to change how surrenders and citations interact.
The board directed staff and the chief to draft a proposal reviewing current ordinances and state statutory allowances to determine whether an ordinance amendment (and council approval) would be required to change current enforcement practices.
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