Athens-Clarke County, Georgia

Sec. 4-1-19. – Reclaim of impounded animals.

(e) From and after September 1, 2017, no dog or cat shall be released to its owner by the Animal Services Department more than once unless, prior to release, it is sexually sterilized at the owner’s expense, unless the reclaiming owner:

(1) Shows proof that the owner is a GDA Pet Dealer licensee, that the animal being reclaimed is part of the GDA-licensed business, and the person has obtained all local business permits or certificates applicable to a commercial dog or cat breeding business and a sales tax identification number; or

(2) Provides written certification from a licensed veterinarian citing a high likelihood that the reclaimed dog or cat will suffer serious bodily harm or death due to age or specified infirmity if the dog or cat is sexually sterilized and the date, if any, on which such restriction shall end, in which case the owner shall, in writing, agree that such dog or cat will be sterilized within 30 days from such date with proof provided promptly to the Animal Services Director. If timely proof of sterilization is not received, the dog or cat shall be subject to confiscation unless prior to the expiration of the agreed period the owner provides an updated veterinary certification as set forth above and the owner enters into a new sterilization agreement under the same terms.

(f) Any person reclaiming a dog or cat that, after September 1, 2017, has been impounded for the first time shall acknowledge in writing prior to taking custody of the dog or cat the requirements of this ordinance that, upon any subsequent impound, the dog or cat shall not be released unless it is sexually sterilized at the owner’s expense in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.