The City of Fayette has increased charges made for stray dogs that are picked up and sheltered in the dog pound. City Marshal David Ford initially presented increases at the city council’s regular meeting on May 23. Last week, the Board of Aldermen approved the changes.

The fee for an initial impoundment is now $40, up from $25. A second impoundment within a 12-month period increased by $10 to $60, and a third offense is $100, up from $75.

The daily boarding fee is also expected to increase from $5 a day for fixed animals and $7 a day for intact animals to $15 and $20 a day, respectively. The reason for the increase is due to higher costs of food. The old rates have been in place for approximately 30 years.

The new ordinance states that the City Marshal will determine the daily boarding fees. Chief David Ford said on Monday that he will seek further clarification on that part of the ordinance before posting the new fees.

After five days, any unclaimed animal will be released to any person expressing a desire for the animal after paying an adoption fee, according to the new ordinance. The city also has the option of euthanizing such abandoned animals or turning them over to a shelter or rescue.

Chief Ford said the city had not destroyed an animal in many years and only did so when an officer was threatened.