Pay Up Or We'll Kill Your Dog

CNN Money: "Dogs Killed Over Unpaid Fines" "In some cases, dogs don't even have to leave the yard for animal control to come calling. Last year, Riverside County inspectors incited controversy for going door-to-door and giving out citations of up to $400 per dog.. Some hold people's pets until they settle their bills, even if it means they end up killed. "

Almost seems like legal kidnapping then holding them for ransom doesn't it? In some cases executing pets whose owners cannot come up with the cash in time. Sometimes before they can even appeal. Well ain't that nice.

The question boils down to this. Are these dogs living in homes without vaccinations and licenses better off dead?