Pet owners will have a one-time reprieve from a $500 fine for animals impounded by Johnson County Animal Control.
The Johnson County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a new fee schedule for impounded domestic pets.
Any pets may be impounded if they are found loose without supervision, a violation of a county ordinance.
Previously the fine for impounded animals was $500 per offense, but the new fee schedule reduces the fine to $100 for first-time impoundments.
Instead of paying the $100 fine, pet owners may also opt to get their animal vaccinated and spayed or neutered for $100.
All pet owners are still subject to the $500 fine for each subsequent impoundment.
When given the option most, but not all, pet owners are opting to receive the health care in lieu of the fine, said Michael Delp, Johnson County Animal Control director.
The update to the animal control ordinance passed Monday and took effect immediately.
