Smyrna, Georgia

Sec. 14-68. – Redemption; abandonment.

(a) The owner of any impounded animal may regain possession of the animal upon payment of all applicable fees specified in section 14-37 and compliance with the terms of this chapter. Such redemption shall not affect any criminal liability of the owner, which may exist with respect to any violation of this chapter and shall not preclude proceedings against the owner for the purpose of pursuing sanctions under this chapter. The following exceptions apply:

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(2) Any impounded animal adopted from CCAC that was not spayed or neutered per the adoption agreement may immediately be reclaimed by CCAC, and the owner may not be permitted to reclaim said animal.

Sec. 14-72. – Neutering and spaying.

(a) No impounded animal shall be neutered or spayed (sterilized) without the owner’s consent until the period of redemption has expired, except any animal that in the opinion of a licensed veterinarian must be sterilized in order to save its life may be sterilized by a licensed veterinarian prior to the expiration of the redemption period.

(b) CCAC shall accomplish the sterilization of any animal whose period of impoundment has expired or that has been voluntarily surrendered to the county by:

(1) Requiring adopters to sign a binding agreement to have the adopted animal sterilized within a period specified by CCAC as follows:

a. Within 30 days from the date of adoption for animals over the age of six months.

b. Within the first six months of age for sexually immature animals.

(2) By CCAC sterilizing the animal prior to adoption.

(3) If the animal cannot be sterilized as required due to disease, medical condition, or for other reasons as specified by a veterinarian, then signed verification from a licensed veterinarian shall be delivered to CCAC by the adopter and the animal shall be sterilized upon recovery or as soon as recommended by the veterinarian.

(c) The adopter of any animal required to be sterilized pursuant this chapter shall be responsible for providing CCAC proof that the animal has been sterilized within seven days of the surgery. The adopter will not be relieved of this responsibility until the veterinarian performing the sterilization certifies to CCAC that the sterilization has been accomplished, or unless the veterinarian certifies to CCAC in writing that the animal has died.

(d) Any adopted animal not sterilized within the time specified may be reclaimed by CCAC.