Lee County, Florida

Sec. 4-26. – Sterilization of dogs and cats released from animal shelter facility.

(a) No unclaimed dog or cat shall be released for adoption without being sterilized prior to entering the new home. Animal control officers are authorized to issue citations for failure to sterilize any cat or dog adopted from the animal shelter.

(b) Sterilization may be deferred only on the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian.

(c) Any person who adopts an unaltered animal shall be required to leave a cash spay/neuter deposit, which will be fully refunded upon proof that the sterilization has been accomplished.

(d) Any unsterilized animal impounded for a second or subsequent redemption that is reclaimed by the owner shall be sterilized at the expense of the owner prior to the animal being released from Animal Services. Sterilization may be deferred only on the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian.