§ 8-32. Fees and costs.

(a)

It shall be the duty of the owner to pay all fees and costs incurred for services performed in connection with enforcement of this chapter.

(b)

The fees and costs established and collected under this chapter and pursuant to the state responsible dog ownership law are not penalties but are imposed for the sole purpose of defraying expenses borne by the county for animal control and welfare under this chapter and are subject to change at any time.

(c)

Fees. The fees with respect to all services performed in connection with enforcement of this chapter shall be set by the board of commissioners from time to time. A copy of such fee schedule shall be posted at county animal control headquarters and may be changed at any time and from time to time as determined by the board of commissioners.

(d)

Costs. In addition to the established fees provided by subsection (c) of this section, the owner shall be responsible for all veterinary and boarding costs incurred, including, but not limited to, the cost of treatment administered to the animal pursuant to this chapter.

(e)

Costs required to be paid in advance. When one or more domestic animals have been impounded as part of an investigation for a violation of this chapter and the anticipated veterinary and boarding costs exceed $300.00, the owner shall be required to pay all anticipated costs within three business days of receiving notice of impoundment and an estimate of such costs. County animal control is authorized to enforce this paragraph by filing a petition in a court of competent civil jurisdiction pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 4-11-9.8 requesting a court order for the deposit of funds sufficient to secure payment of all anticipated costs in the registry of the court.

(f)

Waiver of fees and costs. All or part of the required costs and/or fees may be waived when, in the sole discretion of the animal control manager, the waiver will promote the just and efficient enforcement of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 16-008 , 12-19-2016)