(A) The animal shelter shall charge impounding fees, boarding charges, and certain other fees pursuant to § 93.005. The fees shall be collected by the shelter, or by its fiscal agent.
(B) The owner of an animal that has been impounded under this chapter and charged with a violation of this chapter may prevent disposition of the animal by the animal shelter caring for the animal by posting, not later than three days after the animal has been impounded, a bond with the animal shelter in an amount sufficient to provide for the animal’s care and keeping for at least 30 days, beginning from the date the animal was impounded.
(1) The owner may renew a bond by posting a new bond, in an amount sufficient to provide for the animal’s care and keeping for at least an additional 30 days, not later than five days after the expiration of the period for which a previous bond was posted. If a bond expires and is not renewed, the animal shelter may determine disposition of the animal.
(2) If the owner of an animal impounded under this section is found guilty, or signs an agreement with conditions of an offense under this chapter, the owner shall forfeit the bond to the animal shelter to reimburse the animal shelter for the expense of the animal’s care and keeping.
(3) If the owner has paid a bond under this chapter, the animal shelter may still euthanize an animal if a veterinarian determines that an animal is suffering extreme pain.
(C) If the owner requests, the court or the Animal Control Authority, having jurisdiction of charges filed under this chapter or I.C. 15-20-1 shall hold a hearing to determine whether probable cause exists to believe that a violation of this chapter or I.C. 15-20-1stateRef has occurred. If the court determines that probable cause does not exist, the court may order the animal returned to its owner, and the return of any bond posted by its owner.
(Ord. 2015-14, passed 12-1-2015) Penalty, see § 93.999