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Surrender fee removed, $500 dumping fee remains
Animal dumping fine, round two.jpg
A resolution that implements a mandatory fine of $500 to be collected per animal when an animal is dumped is back under consideration. The section levying a $10 charge to surrender an animal at Animal Control has been removed. - photo by Lisa Hobbs

A measure that would have instituted a $10 surrender fee and a $500 fine for dumping animals is back, minus the $10 fee.

During the February meeting of the Warren County Legislative Body, commissioners rejected a resolution proposed by Commissioner Blaine Wilcher that included both those changes in the policy governing Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center. The vote split the board 12-10.

Wilcher has removed the $10 surrender fee in hopes of obtaining the 13 votes required for the measure to pass.

“I’ve had commissioners tell me they would have supported this measure if it didn’t include a charge for surrendering animals,” said Wilcher. “So I’ve removed that from the resolution and I’d like to present it again to the commission.”

The statement was made during a meeting of the county Health and Welfare Committee. Wilcher chairs that committee. 

When contacted after the meeting, Commissioner Scott Rubley said that change will sway his vote. 

“I was against the $10 surrender fee,” said Rubley. “I would have voted in favor of the resolution if that had been removed. I’d rather see a $1,000 fine than $500. I’m afraid if we had to go to court it would still cost us money at $500.” 

The $500 fine can only be charged to individuals who plead guilty or a court finds guilty of abandoning an animal. The fine is part of their sentence/ punishment. Warren County government’s legal counsel would be involved in that process.

“I’ve heard some say that they are afraid this will cost the county money in legal services,” said Wilcher. “Our attorney is on retainer. He’s paid very well.”

The county attorney is on retainer and that fee is $6,000 a month. That allowance pays for services rendered during the month, rather than paying the attorney per hour.

Commissioner Lori Judkins expressed doubt anyone who would abandon an animal has $500 to pay the fine.

Wilcher replied, “Let’s let the courts deal with that.”

Health and Welfare Committee members unanimously approved the resolution Thursday night. It will be sent for Warren County Commission consideration.