§ 5-114. Sterilization required.

(a)

Duty of new owner. Every new owner of a dog or cat adopted from a releasing agency shall cause such dog or cat to be sterilized pursuant to the agreement required by subsection (b)(2) of this section.

(b)

Requirements for release of animal. A dog or cat shall not be released for adoption from a releasing agency unless:

(1)

The animal has already been sterilized; or

(2)

The individual adopting the animal signs an agreement to have the animal sterilized by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of the adoption if the animal is sexually mature, or within 30 days after the animal reaches six months of age if the animal is not sexually mature at the time of adoption.

(c)

Extension of time. A releasing agency may extend for 30 days the date by which a dog or cat must be sterilized on presentation of a written report from a veterinarian stating that the life or health of the adopted animal may be jeopardized by sterilization. In cases involving extenuating circumstances, the veterinarian and the releasing agency may negotiate the terms of an extension of the date by which the animal must be sterilized.

(d)

Sterilization of immature animals. Nothing in this section shall preclude the sterilization of a sexually immature dog or cat upon the written agreement of the veterinarian, the releasing agency and the new owner.

(e)

Order to comply. Upon the petition of the animal protection police officer supervisor, an investigator or the state veterinarian or his designee to the district court where a violation of this division occurs, the court may order the new owner to take any steps necessary to comply with the requirements of this division. This remedy shall be exclusive of and in addition to any civil penalty which may be imposed under this division.

(f)

Civil penalty. Any person who violates subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $150.00.

(Code 1980, § 4-22.5; Code 1995, § 5-102; Ord. No. 987, § 1, 7-13-1999; Ord. No. 1148, § 13(5-102), 8-10-2010)

State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 3.2-6574; civil penalty authorized, Code of Virginia, § 3.2-6543(B).

(Code 1980, § 4-22.5; Code 1995, § 5-102; Ord. No. 987, § 1, 7-13-1999; Ord. No. 1148, § 13(5-102), 8-10-2010)

State law reference

Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 3.2-6574; civil penalty authorized, Code of Virginia, § 3.2-6543(B).