People who abandon their pets at the pound will now be in violation of local law following action by the Fort Dodge City Council Monday.

The council approved a proposal making that action a municipal infraction punishable with fines. In doing so, the council set aside its usual procedure and gave the new rule final approval on its second reading instead of the third. The vote was unanimous with no discussion.

The rule applies in cases in which the animal control officer finds a dog or cat and the owner is identified, but refuses to come and get the animal.

It creates the offense of abandonment of an animal. It states, “It is unlawful for a person who owns or has custody of a cat or dog to relinquish all rights in and duties to care for the cat or dog.”

There are three exceptions:

• Giving the pet to a person who willingly accepts it.

• Giving the pet to an animal shelter licensed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

• Trapping, neutering and releasing stray cats.

Violating the new rule would result in a fine of up to $750 for the first offense and up to $1,000 on the second and subsequent offenses.