Oxford, Mississippi

Sec. 18-45. – Operation of animal resource center.

(d) Adoption of animals. Once an animal becomes the property of the animal resource center either by gift, donation, abandonment or any other voluntary conveyance or as a result of pickup by the animal shelter or any other person or entity after the animal has been found running at large in violation of this chapter and as provided for in section 18-76, may be adopted in accordance with the terms of the adoption contract (supplied by the shelter) and upon payment of an adoption/sterilization fee, licensing fee and fees for any other service supplied but the city animal shelter in connection with such animal. Each unaltered dog and/or cat may be sterilized by the shelter veterinarian or representative prior to leaving the shelter. Any individual taking an unaltered dog or cat from the shelter must comply with applicable ordinances and policies relating to unsterilized animals. If it is determined that a former owner of an animal is applying for adoption, such former owner may gain ownership or possession only by payment of redemption fees set forth in section [18-48].

Sec. 18-48. – Same—Impoundment and redemption of dogs.

(b) Sterilization at the animal shelter. When an owner is reclaiming an animal that is not spayed or neutered and the owner chooses to sterilize the animal pursuant to this section, the owner will be given the option of having the animal sterilized at the animal shelter by the staff veterinarian when such person is available, at the cost of the owner.

Sec. 18-49. – Release of unsterilized animals.

(a) It shall be unlawful for the city animal shelter or any animal control shelter or any animal humane organization within the city to release any unaltered dog or cat to the redeeming owner without obtaining an unaltered (fertile animal) permit. Applicants must apply for unaltered permit with the city’s animal resource director.

(1) The owner of a fertile animal will have to pay the city a one-time $100.00 permit fee to keep a fertile animal within the city. Said payment must be made to the city clerk.

(2) In order to prevent the over-breeding of animals, each permit authorizes the whelping of no more than one litter per female dog in any 12-month period and no more than one litter per domestic household in any 12-month period.

(3) This permit applies to the assigned animal and the assigned owner. Fertile permits cannot be transferred to another owner or animal.

(4) Fertile permit exceptions.

a. Dogs documented as having been appropriately trained and actually being used by public law enforcement agencies for law enforcement activities, or such dogs designated as breeding stock by an appropriate agency or organization approved by the animal resource center director after consultation with knowledgeable professionals;

b. Dogs having been appropriately trained and actually being used as a service dog, such as a guide dog, hearing dog, assistance dog, seizure alert dog, or social/therapy dog, or such dogs designated as breeding stock by an appropriate agency or organization approved by the animal resource director after consultation with knowledgeable professionals;

c. Dogs documented as having been appropriately trained and actually being used by search and rescue agencies for search and rescue activities, or such dogs designated as breeding stock by an appropriate agency or organization approved by the animal resource director after consultation with knowledgeable professionals;

d. Dogs or cats certified by a licensed veterinarian as having a health reason for not being spayed/neutered;

e. Dogs which are appropriately trained and actually being used for herding of other animals, or as livestock guardian dogs, hunting dogs, or such dogs designated as breeding stock by an appropriate agency or organization approved by the animal resource director after consultation with knowledgeable professionals;

f. Dogs or cats which are registered with the American Kennel Club, the Cat Fancier Association or other recognized registry or trained and kept for the purpose of show, field trials or agility trials.

Sec. 18-72. – Licenses—Required; exception.

(a) All dogs whose owners reside within the city limits shall be licensed and registered by the city as hereinafter provided, except dogs belonging to nonresidents who are residing in the city for less than 60 days.

Sec. 18-74. – Same—Issuance; fees.

(a) Dog licenses, as required by section 18-72, shall be issued by the city animal shelter or their designated agent upon all requirements of this article being met and upon the payment of the following amounts: