Title
Approval of the Animal Shelter Fee Schedule
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve the Animal Shelter Fee Schedule.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council approve this item as requested.
Body
On June 11th, Council voted to Amend Chapter 6 of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code of Ordinances. The Code Amendment included the removal of fees from the Code and referenced a Fee Schedule to be considered by Council prior to the effective date of the Ordinance (July 20th, 2024). The Fee Schedule includes fees for adopting and impounding animals. Sterilization deposits shall be maintained in accordance with Section 6-124 of the County Ordinance.
Staff does not recommend to eliminate adoption fees for animals over six months entirely citing negative outcomes where people have no investment in the adoption to include using the animals in fights or just not providing the appropriate level of care. If the fee schedule is approved, staff can still use discretion to eliminate the fee for animals that have limited adoption interest or unique circumstances.
With respect to fees associated with impounding an animal, a fee schedule is appropriate to guard against people avoiding the higher cost of boarding an animal by utilizing the Shelter as a De-Facto boarding facility. Staff recommends no fee if the animal is picked up within 24 hours, but $35 a day thereafter to avoid this type of behavior.
Most quarantines are done in the home, but for those that are at the Shelter, a $100 fee equals $10/day and is appropriate reimbursement.
Alternatives
Council can amend the Fee Schedule, if desired.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
The Proposed Fee Schedule is designed to provide appropriate reimbursement to the County for costs incurred and to deter behavior that could be averse to Animal Welfare. If adopted as proposed or amended, it is not anticipated the Fee Schedule would have a significant fiscal impact e...
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