Madison, Georgia

Sec. 14-254. – Adoption.

Animal control may convey ownership of any animal which has become the property of animal control, except dogs which have been designated dangerous or vicious, to a responsible person subject to conditions as may be prescribed by animal control, including, but without limitation:

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(4) Animal control verifies the animal has been spayed or neutered.

ARTICLE XIV. – STERILIZATION PROGRAM FOR DOGS AND CATS

Sec. 14-284. – Purpose

(a) Purpose. Unintended or uncontrolled breeding of dogs and cats leads to dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens being unwanted, becoming strays, suffering deprivation and death, being impounded and euthanized at expense to the community, and constituting a nuisance and health hazard. Every feasible means of reducing the number of unwanted dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens is encouraged.

Sec. 14-285. – Spay and neutering of dogs and cats.

(a) Spaying, neutering of dogs and cats.

(1) Every dog and cat four months or older shall be spayed or neutered, unless proof of one of the following is provided to animal control:

a. The dog or cat is registered with a national or international club, association, or registry recognized by animal control, and owner certifies in writing the animal is used, trained, or considered for use in a show(s), sporting competition(s), or other similar competitive event(s) held by one or more national or international clubs, associations, or registries.

b. A vet licensed in the state certifies in writing the dog or cat is medically unfit to undergo the required spay or neuter procedure because of a medical condition that would be substantially aggravated or would likely cause death. The writing must state the date by which it may be safely spayed or neutered. For a dog or cat not spayed or neutered due to a health condition, the license tag fee for sterilized dogs or cats shall apply. As soon as the medical condition ceases to exist, it shall be the duty of the owner to promptly comply.

c. The dog is used by a law enforcement agency for law enforcement purposes.

d. The dog is a guide dog or service animal defined by law.

e. The owner certifies in writing that the dog will be bred or used for stud purposes after a breeder permit is first obtained from the state and has registered with the city.

f. The dog or cat is used for breeding purposes by a licensed hobby or commercial breeder and a cat is registered as a pedigreed cat with the Cat Fancier Association or the International Cat Association.

g. The dog or cat is being harbored by a shelter, humane society, or similar, whose principal purpose is adoption of dogs or cats or offering sanctuary for dogs or cats, provided the dog or cat is spayed or neutered prior to being placed for adoption.