Dog Impound Fee Dispute

Summary

In Oregon, if your dog is impounded, you are typically responsible for the fees. There is no law stating the arresting officer owes the fees. You can contact Animal Control for a payment plan, seek financial help from humane societies, or consult a local lawyer. If your dog is adopted, you may negotiate with the new owners. Legal aid services can provide more personalized advice.

Full Conversation

My dog was impounded and I can't pay the fees to get her back. But because of the nature in which she was impounded I believe it's not my burden to carry. I didn't do anything to warrant her being taken
Hello ****. To better assist you, could you please provide more details about the situation that led to your dog being impounded? Also, could you please tell me where this happened?
In Salem Oregon. My friend was giving me a ride with all of my belongings and my dog cuz I'm homeless currently we were in a car that she had just purchased and she was not feeling well and needed to go to the hospital so she parked the car and a side street near my friend's house and got a ride to the hospital I was visiting with my friend my dog could not come in because they had small dogs there so I forgot if we was going out to the car and checking on my dogs the last time that I went out there there was a policeman and a tow truck the policeman said that my dog was taken to the pound already and the tow truck was going to take the car because it was stolen even though I showed him credentials that we had purchased the car and also that all my belongings were in the vehicle and I had nothing to do with it being stolen I was arrested on another warrant had nothing to do with that situation the officer that arrested me tried to charge me with animal neglect but it did not go through the charges were dropped there was a hold placed on my dog during the process before the charges were dropped when the hold was let up I was given * hours to pay $* I've had this dog her entire life from the day she was born she's almost 8 years old she has extreme separation anxiety and they're willing to harm my dog over $* and tear our family apart
Hello ****, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In Oregon, the law states that impounded animals must be held for at least * hours. After that, if the fees are unpaid, the animal may be adopted out or humanely euthanized. You might consider:
*. Contacting Animal Control to arrange a payment plan.
*. Seeking financial assistance from local humane societies or animal shelters.
*. Consulting with a local lawyer or legal aid service for advice.
That's why I'm chatting with you. I don't believe it's my duty to pay the fines I nothing to get her impounded. She was taken without a warrant or proper effort to locate her owner veggies taking her and the charges didn't even go through isn't there a law stating the arresting officer is the one who owes for the fees?
I understand your frustration, ****. Generally, in Oregon:
*. The owner is responsible for impound fees.
*. There's no law stating the arresting officer owes the fees.
You may want to consult with a legal aid service for personalized advice.
I thought that's what this chat was for
I'm sorry if there's been confusion, ****. While we provide general legal information, we can't offer personalized advice or represent you. For specific advice, please seek help from a local legal aid service or a lawyer in Salem, Oregon.
Do you have a list of free lawyers or legal help? Or a list of places that help with paying the fees?
Yes, indeed. Here are a few services in Salem, Oregon that may be able to assist:
*. Legal Aid Services of Oregon: They offer free legal advice and representation.

*. Oregon State Bar: They have a lawyer referral service and modest means program.
*. Oregon Humane Society: They might be able to help with fees or provide resources.
Remember to contact these organizations for more specific assistance.
And can I have another person pick up the dog without them having to pay
Yes, another person can pick up your dog, but they will likely still have to pay the impound fees. The responsibility for payment typically falls on the owner regardless of who retrieves the pet. Please verify this with your local animal control agency.
Okay what is they already took custody of my dog? What are my options at that point
If the agency has already taken custody of your dog, in Oregon, you generally have these options:
*. You can still pay the impound fees and reclaim your dog.
*. If your dog has been adopted, you can negotiate with the new owners.
*. Legal action may be an option, but consult with a lawyer first.
Ok thanks
You're welcome, ****. If you have any other questions or need further guidance in the future, don't hesitate to reach out. Wishing you the best with your situation.