§ 462.309. Sterilization of dogs and cats.

(a)

All dogs and cats shall be sterilized prior to being sold, adopted or released from any animal shelter by either:

(1)

Providing for sterilization by a veterinarian before relinquishing custody of the animal; or

(2)

Entering into a written agreement with the adopted purchaser that guarantees that sterilization will be performed prior to sexual maturity or as soon as medically possible if it is determined by a veterinarian that sterilization would endanger the animal's health due to its age, infirmity, disability or illness.

(3)

Animal owners that have a current City license and permanent identification in the form of a registered microchip ID (RFID) or attached City license tag, shall be exempt from the above provision regarding sterilization for the first impound of the animal provided the identification is accurate to allow ACPS to identify its owner. Other valid permanent identification may also be used provided ACPS can easily identify the owner and a current City license is on file with the owner's information.

(b)

The fees associated with adoption/placement of an animal(s) shall include the cost of sterilization. Where it is necessary to enter into an agreement to sterilize, the purchaser or adopter shall pay a sufficient deposit in cash or cash equivalent that is equal to or greater than the current market fee for sterilization, as determined by the animal shelter, as a condition of the agreement to sterilize. The deposit shall be refundable upon presenting to the animal shelter written verification by the veterinarian who performed the sterilization that the animal has been sterilized within 30 days after the adoption or adequate age/health to allow for sterilization. The deposit shall be forfeited after 31 days, and such funds shall be deposited in the Spay Neuter Trust Fund for sterilization programs.

(Ord. 2004-259-E, § 1; Ord. 2010-527-E, § 4)