Tift County, Georgia

Sec. 14-104. – Neutering.

(a) Except to the extent provided in this section, all dogs and cats that are adopted pursuant to the provisions of section 14-103 shall first be neutered with all charges and fees therefore to be paid by the adopting owner;

(b) Any person adopting a dog or cat placed for adoption with an outside agency, public or private shelter, humane society, or public or private refuge that has yet to be neutered shall enter into a written agreement with the county animal control shelter guaranteeing that sterilization will occur within 30 days of adoption in the case of an adult animal or within 30 days of the sexual maturity of the animal in the case of an immature animal. The person adopting the dog or cat must present documentation from a licensed veterinarian within seven days following the aforementioned sterilization. If documentation is not received within the allotted time period, a citation will be issued and the animal in question will be confiscated; provided, however, that the requirements of this Code section shall not apply to any privately owned animal which any such shelter may have in its possession for any reason if the owner of such animal claims or presents evidence that such animal is the property of such person within the required time subject to section 14-98 above.

(c) Any animal relinquished to a licensed rescue organization that has yet to be neutered shall enter into a written agreement with the county animal control shelter guaranteeing that sterilization will occur within 30 days of adoption in the case of an adult animal or within 30 days of the sexual maturity of the animal in the case of an immature animal. The rescue organization must present documentation from a licensed veterinarian within seven days following the aforementioned sterilization. If documentation is not received within the allotted time period, the organization in question will be subject to the penalties of this article as well as banned from receiving any animals in the future.