In order to reduce the likelihood that dogs allowed to be at large shall breed unwanted animals, any dog impounded for being at large which previously has been redeemed from the animal care services center after impoundment for being at large shall be spayed or neutered at the redeeming owner's expense prior to a second or subsequent redemption. The animal care services manager may waive this requirement when there are extenuating circumstances that justify waiver.
In the event the animal care services manager determines that a dog shall be spayed or neutered at the redeeming owner's expense prior to redemption, the animal care services manager shall notify the owner of this requirement in writing and inform the owner of the owner's right to appeal as provided by this section.
The owner of the animal may, prior to the date specified by the animal care services manager in the written notice, appeal the determination of the animal care services manager by filing a notice of such appeal with the animal care services manager. The city manager shall appoint a hearing officer, who may be an employee of the city.
The hearing shall be informal. The hearing officer shall determine, based on evidence presented, whether the animal care services manager correctly determined that the requirement to spay or neuter applies, and if so, whether there are any extenuating circumstances which justify waiver of the requirement to spay or neuter, or waiver of the requirement that the owner pay for the procedure. The decision of the hearing officer shall be final. (Ord. 2010-013 § 1; prior code § 6.07.086)