§ 4-13. Bond.

(a)

If an animal is seized under probable cause that a violation of this article has been committed, the owner or person in custody and control of an animal is liable for the cost of its care.

(b)

If an animal is seized solely for evidentiary purposes, the owner or person in custody and control of an animal is not liable for the cost of its care.

(c)

A person who is liable shall post a bond in the form of cash or a surety's undertaking with the court to defray the cost of care. The bond shall be calculated according to the number of animals seized. Under ten (10): Two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). Ten (10) to twenty (20): Five hundred dollars ($500.00.) Twenty-one (21) to thirty (30): Seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00). Over thirty (30): One thousand dollars ($1,000.00). The court shall draw down on the bond as needed during the animal's captivity to pay for the cost of care, without regard to whether the defendant is ultimately convicted or not. Funds so expended are not refundable.

(d)

The owner shall post the bond within ten (10) days of the date of the notice of seizure.

(e)

The court shall forfeit the bond to pay costs of care. If the bond exceeds expenses, the court shall exonerate the bond amount and order the security returned to the owner to the extent the bond exceeds the cost of care.

(Ord. No. 3497, § 1, 6-2-03)