A. No un-microchipped impounded dog or cat that has previously been impounded within the preceding 24-month period may be redeemed by any person until the animal is microchipped pursuant to an order of the animal control officer directing the microchipping. The microchipping shall be accomplished by the shelter or by any duly licensed veterinarian. In all cases, the veterinarian fees and costs shall be paid at the time of redemption by the animal’s owner or person redeeming the animal.

B. No unaltered impounded dog or cat that has previously been impounded twice within the preceding 24-month period may be redeemed by any person until the animal is spayed or neutered pursuant to an order of the animal control officer directing the alteration. The alteration shall be accomplished by the shelter or by any duly licensed veterinarian. In all cases, the veterinarian fees and costs shall be paid at the time of redemption by the animal’s owner or person redeeming the animal.

C. Exceptions to Mandatory Microchipping or Alteration. The alteration shall not be required upon a showing of proof of alteration from a licensed veterinarian. The microchipping or alteration shall not be required if the owner or other person redeeming the animal provides a written statement from a licensed veterinarian stating that and explaining why the microchip, spay or neuter procedure would be harmful to the animal.

D. Appeal of Order for Microchipping or Alteration. If the owner of the animal objects to the order directing microchipping or alteration of the animal, the owner may submit a written appeal of the order within 72 hours of notice of the impound, which appeal shall be heard by the police chief or designee. The owner shall, at the same time, pay $100.00 as a nonrefundable appeal fee, and shall post a cash deposit of $250.00 to cover the additional costs incurred by the city and/or the animal shelter related to the impound, including but not limited to impound charges and costs of microchipping and alteration. It is further provided that, regardless of the outcome of the appeal, the owner shall be responsible for the costs of or related to the impound and any resulting microchipping and/or alteration. The decision of the police chief or designee on the appeal shall be final, unless the owner seeks injunctive relief from the King County superior court. (Ord. 6529 § 3, 2014; Ord. 6424 § 1, 2012.)