Hall County, Georgia

4.10.265. – Indiscriminate breeder.

It is unlawful to be an indiscriminate breeder within the jurisdiction of this governing authority.

4.10.280. – Sterilization of dogs and cats.

A. Any public or private animal shelter, including the Hall County Animal Shelter, animal control agency operated by a political subdivision of this state, including Hall County Animal Control, a humane society, or a public or private animal refuge, shall make provisions for the sterilization of all dogs or cats acquired from such shelter, agency, society, or refuge by:

1. Providing sterilization by a licensed veterinarian before relinquishing custody of the dog or cat; or

2. Entering into a written agreement with the person acquiring such dog or cat guaranteeing that sterilization will be performed by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days after acquisition of such dog or cat in the case of a sexually mature animal or by the sexual maturity of the animal in the case of a sexually immature animal, provided, however, that the requirements of this paragraph shall not apply to any privately owned dog or cat which any such shelter, agency, society, or refuge may have in its possession for any reason if the owner of such dog or cat claims or presents evidence that such dog or cat is the property of such person.

B. All costs of sterilization pursuant to this section shall be the responsibility of the person acquiring such dog or cat and, if performed prior to acquisition, may be included in any fees charged by the shelter, agency, society, or refuge for such dog or cat.

C. Any person acquiring a dog or cat from a public or private animal shelter including the Hall County Animal Shelter, an animal control agency operated by a political subdivision of this state including Hall County Animal Control, a humane society, or a public or private animal refuge, which dog or cat is not sterile at the time of acquisition, shall submit to the animal shelter, animal control agency, humane society, or public or private animal refuge from which the dog or cat was acquired a signed statement from the licensed veterinarian performing the sterilization required by paragraph A.2 of this section within seven days after such sterilization attesting that such sterilization has been performed.

D. Every public or private animal shelter, including the Hall County Animal Shelter, an animal control agency operated by a political subdivision of this state, including Hall County Animal Control, a humane society, or a public or private animal refuge selling or offering for sale or exchange any dog or cat that is not sterilized shall maintain and furnish to any person acquiring a dog or cat from such shelter, agency, society, or refuge, a current list of veterinarians licensed in this state who have notified the shelter, agency, society, or refuge that they are willing to perform sterilizations and the cost for such procedures.

4.10.700. – Adoption.

D. No dog or cat which is not neutered or spayed shall be released from the Hall County Animal Shelter without a written agreement from the person adopting the animal that such dog or cat will be sterilized within 30 days from the date of adoption or, if the dog or cat is under six months old, by the time dog or cat is seven months old, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

E. Any adopted dog or cat not sterilized within the time specified may be reclaimed by animal control.