CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to animal fees; adjusting and simplifying pet license fees, adoption fees, and spay and neuter clinic fees; removing guard or attack dog licenses; authorizing the Director of Finance and Administrative Services to adjust animal fees by Director's Rule; amending Sections 9.25.030, 9.25.050, 9.25.083, 9.25.100, 9.25.110, 9.25.200, 9.26.020, 9.26.050, and 9.26.060 of the Seattle Municipal Code; and repealing Sections 9.25.054, 9.26.025, and 9.26.040 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
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WHEREAS, the Seattle Animal Shelter is responsible for caring for thousands of stray, orphaned, sick, and abused animals every year; and
WHEREAS, in conjunction with community expectations of higher standards of care, the level of animal care and enforcement needs have grown significantly over the years; and
WHEREAS, pet adoption fees currently only cover a subset of the services required to ensure placement for that pet; and
WHEREAS, an increase in pet adoption fees will support the Seattle Animal Shelter's ability to provide the high levels of quality care the public has come to expect and the animals entrusted to the Shelter so deserve; and
WHEREAS, the City's current pet adoption fee structure is overly complicated and needs to be simplified; and
WHEREAS, the City's animal control fees and charges for detainment, adoption, and sheltering services have not been increased in six years, while the cost of providing boarding, veterinary care, and transporting of owned animals has gone up significantly; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Finance and Administrative Services can reduce or waive fees when in the best interest of the animal; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 9.25.030 of the Seattle Municipal Code, last amended by Ordinance 126691, is amended as follows:
9.25.030 Authority of the Director
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F. The Director is...
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