Boulder City, Nevada

7-3-7. – IMPOUNDING ANIMALS.

E. Disposal Of Unclaimed Animal. If the ownership is not proven within the impoundment period specified in subsection 1 of this Section, then such animal shall be destroyed in a humane manner under the direction of the Animal Control Officer; provided, however, the Animal Control Officer may offer any unclaimed animal which he would by this Chapter be authorized to destroy, for adoption to any person; provided, that the person seeking to adopt such animal shall pay the established adoption fee, if any, shall pay the basic impoundment and board fees, shall microchip the animal, and shall procure for such animal the necessary collar and license. […]

1. Adoption Of Female Animals. No female animal capable of reproduction shall be released for adoption until a certificate is presented, which will be redeemable at any veterinarian clinic specifically designated therein, to assure that said animal will be spayed. These certificates may be purchased from the License Officer.

7-3-8. – MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTER OF DOGS, CAT, PET RABBITS, FERRETS AND POTBELLIED PIGS.

A. Unlawful to Harbor. Subject to the exceptions provided in this Section, it shall be unlawful to harbor within the City of Boulder City any unspayed or unneutered dog, cat, pet rabbit, ferret or potbellied pig five (5) months or older.

B. Definition. For purposes of this Section, “harbor” means legal ownership of, or the providing of regular care or shelter, protection, refuge, nourishment, or medical treatment to the animal. This shall also include the providing of routine nourishment to a stray or feral cat or dog.

C. Exceptions.

1. The spay and neuter requirements set forth in this Section shall not apply if a licensed veterinarian certifies in writing that a specific dog or cat or ferret or pet rabbit or potbellied pig is temporarily or permanently medically unfit to undergo the required spay or neuter procedure because of a physical condition that would be substantially aggravated by such procedure or would likely cause the animal’s death. If temporary, the certificate shall indicate the period of time anticipated that the unsuitability will last. For an exemption to apply beyond that period, a new certificate must be obtained from a veterinarian.

2. The spay and neuter requirement set forth in this Section shall not apply to animals harbored by an animal shelter, rescue organization, or business that keeps animals for sale provided that such organization requires the spaying or neutering of all dogs or cats or ferrets or pet rabbits or potbellied pigs in their custody and control prior to adoption or sale of such animal, unless one (1) or more of the listed exceptions in the Section is applicable.

3. The spay and neuter requirement set forth in this Section shall not apply to any dogs, cats, pet rabbits, ferrets or potbellied pigs harbored by a person/organization/business holding a valid breeder’s permit issued in the State of Nevada and is in possession of a valid City of Boulder City business license.

4. The spay and neuter requirement set forth in the Section shall not apply any dog engaging in active service with any Federal, State or local law enforcement agency.

D. Forfeiture.

1. It shall be unlawful to own or possess any kitten (cat or rabbit) or puppy or piglet or kit (ferret) that has been born to a mother cat or rabbit or dog or potbellied pig or ferret not spayed in violation of this Section, unless adopted from an animal shelter, licensed pet store or breeder or rescue organization. As used in this Section, a “kitten” or “puppy” or “kit” means a cat or rabbit or dog or ferret under the age of five (5) months, as determined by the Animal Control Officer, and “piglet” means a potbellied pig under eight (8) pounds. Except after first determining that it is in the best interest of the kitten or puppy or piglet or kit because of violations of this Title, an Animal Control Officer shall not impound a kitten or puppy or piglet or kit without also impounding its mother for a violation of this Section if the kitten or puppy or kit is under eight (8) weeks of age, and under eight (8) pounds for a piglet, and living with its mother or still taking its nourishment by nursing. As used in this subsection, age and weight shall be estimated by the Animal Control Officer, after requesting documentary proof of age and weight from the person in possession of the animal.

E. Non-Spayed/Unneutered Animals Running At Large.

1. If an animal subject to the spay/neuter requirements of this Section is running at large and an Animal Control Officer determines, or has a veterinarian determine, that the animal has not been spayed or neutered in accordance with this Section;

a. A citation, may be issued in accordance with this chapter; and/or

b. The owner may be required to have the animal spayed or neutered.

(1) In such as case, the owner may elect to utilize a veterinarian of their choosing within thirty (30) days of receiving a notice of being in violation and provide to the Boulder City Animal Control Supervisor written proof from said veterinarian that the procedure has been completed.

F. Release from the City of Boulder City Animal Shelter-Neutering or Spaying.

1. Before the release of any dog, cat, ferret, pet rabbit, or potbellied pig from the custody of the City of Boulder City Animal Shelter, unless an exception as outlined in this Section applies, the animal will be spayed/neutered before the animal is released.