HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8559 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8559
January 13, 2004
"I�rW To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 1 of 2
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fO73 SUBJECT: CHARGES FOR IMPOUNDED ANIMALS
The Public Health Department, Animal Care and Control Division, has been asked to explain the fees
charged owners of reclaimed animals. Under the current ordinance, pet owners who reclaim their pets
from the shelter must pay an impoundment fee based on the number of times the animal has been
impounded within a twelve-month period. Discounts and additional fees that encourage responsible pet
ownership are applied to the basic impound fee. A daily boarding fee of$8.00 is added when
appropriate. Following is a more detailed explanation of the fee calculation process:
The basic impound fee is one of the following:
• First Impound $ 65.00
• Second Impound $ 85.00
• Third Impound $105.00
• Fourth and Subsequent Impounds $150.00
If the owner can provide proof that the pet has a current rabies vaccination, they will receive a $10.00
discount. Likewise, owners who have current city registration tags will receive another $10.00 discount.
0, 111kif the pet is spayed or neutered, a discount of$25.00 is deducted. If the animal qualifies for all three
discounts and it is the first impoundment, the final cost is only $20.00 when the pet is reclaimed on the
day it is impounded.
Example: First Impound $ 65.00
- Rabies Vaccination Discount - 10.00
- City Registration Discount - 10.00
- Spay/Neuter Discount - 25.00
Total Fee w/o Board $ 20.00
If the owner cannot provide proof that will allow a discount, the City must add fees to the basic impound
fee that will ensure compliance with state law and city ordinance. The shelter will collect $9.00 and
issue a rabies vaccination voucher that can be redeemed at most veterinary clinics. Staff also registers
the pet with the City. Cost to register when reclaiming a pet is $10.00. The license tag is held at the
shelter until the owner returns with proof that the rabies vaccination has been administered.
Example: First Impound $ 65.00
• Rabies Vaccination Voucher + 9.00
• City Registration + 10.00
Total Fee w/o Board $ 84.00
Some confusion resulted in the minds of certain citizens by the receipt form that did not clearly
distinguish fees from discounts. This form has been revised. A sample, revised receipt form is attached
to this Informal Report.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8559
January 13, 2004
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 2 of 2
rT SUBJECT: CHARGES FOR IMPOUNDED ANIMALS
In 1996, in order to address the growing pet overpopulation problem, City Council approved mandatory
sterilization of impounded pets that are reclaimed by their owners. An owner is required to sign an
agreement to have the pet altered within 30 days. There are some circumstances that exempt this
requirement, including:
• The pet was wearing its city tag and it was the first impoundment.
• The pet was impounded due to police action or a fire.
• The pet was lost following a natural disaster.
• The pet owner is a member of a breed or service club; the pet is registered with a national
registry; and the owner has not sold more than twelve intact pets in the preceding year.
In 2001, Council added a provision that allows the owner of a reclaimed animal to receive a partial
reimbursement of the impoundment fee by providing proof that the animal has been spayed or neutered
within 30 days as required in the agreement. The shelter reimburses $25.00 to these owners, an
amount equal to the spay/neuter discount provided to other responsible pet owners.
In summary, the fee structure rewards responsible pet owners with discounts, guarantees ordinance
compliance with voucher and tag sales and addresses repeat violations. By requiring the sterilization of
reclaimed pets, the ordinance addresses pet overpopulation. The partial reimbursement provision
encourages prompt compliance and reduces follow-up for staff.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Libby Watson, Assistant City
Manager or Daniel B. Reimer, Director of Public Health, at 617-871-7201.
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City anage
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ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH public Health Department
Animal Care and Control Center
4900 Martin Street
PUBLIC HEALTH Fort Worth,Texas 76119
(817) 392-3737
CUSTOMER RECEIPT
for Animal Reclaim
Date: 9/2/2003 Animal Control No.: 20030900014
Impound Date: 9/1/2003
Owner Name: JOHN DOE Cust No.: 02048171
Address: 1800 University Dr Apt.No Phone: 8178717555
City: FORT WORTH State: TEXAS Zipcode: 76107-
Type: DOG Breed: BOXR Sex: FEMALE
Color: BROWN
Itemized Fees and Discounts.
Impoundment:
1st Offense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65.00
2nd Offense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. $85.00
3rd Offense .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $105.00
4th Offense AND ABOVE. . . .. . . .$150.00 Impoundment Fee: $65.00
Vac./License/Spay Discounts:
Rabies Vaccination $0.00
License $0.00
Spay/Neuter ($25.00)
Vac./License/Spay Discount Total: ($25.00)
SubTotal: $40.00
Vac./Licensef.Boarding/Quarantine Fees:
Rabies Vaccination $9.00
License $10.00
Vac/License Fee Total: $19.00
Boarding per Day I day(s) x $8.00 /day $8.00
Quarantine to days) x /day $0.00
SubTotal: $27.00
Customer Initials: Total Due: $67.00
Payment Type: Visa