Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

Sec. 3-8.2. – Sterilization agreement/deposit for spaying and neutering of dogs and cats.

(a) It is the intent of the City for all dogs and cats over the age of 6 months to be spayed/neutered. Therefore no animal cat or dog shall be released from the animal shelter to an adopting person unless it has been spayed/neutered or a sterilization agreement has been signed and a sterilization deposit set by resolution has been paid.

(b) The sterilization deposit shall be reimbursed only upon presentation of a receipt from a veterinarian that the adopted animal has been sterilized within 30 days of the date of adoption for cats/dogs over the age of six months or by six months of age for kittens and puppies.

(c) An unsterilized animal reclaimed by its owner shall be released without being sterilized upon payment of the sterilization deposit and impoundment/boarding fees imposed by the shelter and set by resolution, and the owner shall sign an agreement stating he/she will sterilize the animal within 30 days after release or will obtain a breeder permit or its equivalent. The sterilization deposit may be reimbursed upon presentation by the owner of a receipt from a veterinarian that the animal has been sterilized within 30 days of release.