I’m not sure if you read the article, but it’s a $2 fee per month not 10, and current/past users are grandfathered in. New accounts made after Aug 21 will be charged. It’s a stupid decision that will cost them a fortune from bad press alone, but they have done almost exactly what you’ve said.
Honestly I feel bad for the poor animals. But the guy? For 7 full years he couldn’t be bothered to get the proper paperwork and licenses to own them? Didn’t get them properly vaccinated and/or treated due to no paperwork. If he’d done right, this wouldn’t have happened. But he’s playing the victim when he’s got the most blame on his shoulders.