If, at any time prior to 24 hours immediately preceding the date and hour fixed for the sale, the owner files with the director, in writing, a statement under oath that he or she is the owner of the animal and pays to the director a sum of 50 cents for each day the animal was impounded, the director shall deliver the animal to the owner. If the owner refuses or neglects to pay the sum due, the director shall sell the animal at auction as provided in section 5.