Mesquite, Nevada

10-3-1: DOGS AND CATS; LICENSE REQUIRED:

A.   Any person owning or possessing a dog or cat over the age of six (6) months must obtain, and thereafter continuously maintain for the life of the animal, a license issued by the city or its designee.

10-3-17: FEE SCHEDULE:

The following fees shall apply to the following services:

CHAPTER 7SPAY/NEUTER OF DOGS AND CATS

10-7-1: MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTER OF DOGS AND CATS:

Subject to the exceptions provided in this chapter, no person shall harbor within the city of Mesquite any dog or cat over the age of six (6) months that has not been spayed or neutered. For purposes of this section and chapter, “harbor” means legal ownership, of the providing of regular care or shelter, protection, refuge or nourishment, or medical treatment; provided however that the term shall not include the providing of nourishment to a stray or feral cat or dog.

10-7-2: EXCEPTIONS TO SPAY/NEUTER REQUIREMENTS:

A.   The spay/neuter requirement set forth in section 10-7-1 of this chapter shall not apply if a licensed veterinarian certifies in writing and under oath that a specific dog or cat is 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. The certification shall indicate the medical basis therefor and whether the unsuitability is permanent or temporary. 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.

B.   The spay/neuter requirement set forth in section 10-7-1 of this chapter shall not apply to animals harbored by a pound, shelter, humane society or similar organization, whether public or private, the principal purpose of which is securing the adoption of dogs or cats provided that such organization has a policy and rules requiring the spaying or neutering of all dogs and cats placed for adoption by such organization.

C.   The spay/neuter requirement set forth in section 10-7-1 of this chapter shall not apply to any dog or cat harbored by a person holding a valid dog or cat fancier’s permit, as provided in sections 10-3-4 and 10-3-5 of this title.

D.   The spay/neuter requirement set forth in section 10-7-1 of this chapter shall not apply to any dog or cat that has received appropriate training, is certified by a recognized agency if such certification is required by the recognizing agency and is being used:

1.   By a law enforcement agency for law enforcement activities;

2.   By a search and rescue agency for search and rescue activities;

3.   As a service animal, such as a guide animal, hearing animal, assistance animal, seizure alert animal, or social/therapy animal.

10-7-3: FORFEITURE:

Kittens and puppies born to cats and dogs not spayed or neutered in violation of this chapter are subject to forfeiture and may be given to the care of a local animal shelter for adoption.

10-7-4: TIME FOR COMPLIANCE:

Persons harboring a dog or cat subject to the spay/neuter requirement of section 10-7-1 of this chapter have one hundred twenty (120) days from the enactment of this title to comply therewith.

10-7-5: PENALTY:

A.   Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as follows:

1.   For the first offense, by a fine of two hundred twenty five dollars ($225.00).

2.   For a second offense, by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00).

3.   For a third and subsequent offense, by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).

B.   The penalty set forth in subsection A of this section shall be reduced by eighty percent (80%) if proof of sterilization of the dog or cat is produced within thirty (30) days after issuance of the citation.