HARRISBURG — A bill that would help find money to pay for the cost of seized animals sponsored by state Rep. Brian Ellis, R-11th, is on its way to Gov. Tom Corbett to sign.

In a news release, Ellis said, “Every year, hundreds of animals are seized by law enforcement and placed in shelters as a result of animal abuse cases.”

These shelters are typically private, nonprofit organizations that rely on donations to operate.

Ellis said, “Currently, our state law provides that costs of keeping and caring for seized animals is the responsibility of the owner, but there is no specific cost recovery process outlined, unless a court orders costs to be paid after a conviction. All costs, including shelter and veterinary care, are paid by the shelter, not the pet owner.

“Often there are individuals who are willing to adopt an abused animal from the shelter, but until the owner relinquishes ownership of the animal, the animal must remain in the custody of the shelter, and the shelter is responsible to pay,” said Ellis.

House Bill 82 permits either the county prosecutor or the shelter to petition the court to require the defendant to pay for the cost of the care of the animal pending prosecution. If the defendant or owner does not pay the court ordered amount, forfeiture would be made and the animal would be available for placement.