(1) When the county board of commissioners of the county receives a report of the township supervisor or other person designated by the township board pursuant to section 21, if it appears from the report that a certain amount of damage has been sustained by the claimant, the county board of commissioners shall immediately draw their order on the treasurer of the county in favor of the claimant for the amount of loss or damage which the claimant has sustained, together with all necessary and proper costs incurred. If the claim filed with the board appears from the report filed to be illegal or unjust, the board may make an investigation of the case and make its award accordingly.

    (2) An amount awarded pursuant to this section shall be paid by the county out of its general fund. A payment shall not be made for any item which has already been paid by the owner of the dog or dogs doing the injury. If a payment is made by the county for any livestock or poultry bitten by a dog or dogs, the payment shall not exceed the amount allowed by the county board of commissioners.