Lamar County, Georgia

Sec. 2-4-13. – Establishment of Fred Morris Adoption Center; adoption.

Lamar County honors the legacy of Fred Morris, a lifelong advocate of the humane treatment of all animals, by the naming of Lamar County’s animal shelter hereinafter as “Fred Morris Adoption Center.” Adoption services will be provided as follows:

[…]

(4) Any person adopting an animal shall not use the animal for breeding, fighting, or profit.

[…]

(7) Sterilization required. Any person adopting an intact animal shall cause to have the animal spayed or neutered within thirty (30) days or provide proof of appointment by a licensed veterinarian for animal(s) over the age of six (6) months or within the first six (6) months of age for sexually immature animals. Any adopted animal not sterilized within the time specified may be reclaimed by animal control. If an animal becomes pregnant after the time specified for the animal to be spayed, the owner may receive a citation for violating this article. Any person acquiring by adoption an animal from the Lamar County animal shelter shall submit a signed statement from a licensed veterinarian performing the sterilization required above within seven (7) days of such sterilization attesting that such sterilization has been performed.

[…]

(9) All costs of sterilization and vaccination pursuant to this section shall be the responsibility of the person acquiring such animal.

(10) Failure to comply with adoption agreement. Any person who shall violate any provision of this section and its subparts shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00).

Sec. 2-4-25. – Breeders license.

(a) Failure to obtain breeders license. It shall be unlawful for any owner, custodian, or guardian of a dog or cat to breed more than one (1) litter per household without obtaining a Georgia Department of Agriculture Breeders License and complying with all applicable zoning requirements.

Sec. 2-4-26. – Animal impoundment.

(e) Sterilization ordinance for owner reclaims of impounded animals.

(1) Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to mandate the sterilization (spay/neuter) of owned dogs and cats impounded as a result of any violation of this chapter by Lamar County or provide owners, custodians, or guardians with the option to purchase an unaltered permit to keep said dog’s and cat’s reproductive organs intact. This measure aims to control the population of stray and unwanted animals, reduce euthanasia rates in the shelter, and enhance public health and safety by lowering the risk of zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, and aggressive behaviors in pets. It also seeks to improve animal welfare by decreasing the likelihood of certain cancers and infections, and to prevent the birth of animals that may be neglected or abandoned. Additionally, this ordinance aims to reduce the costs associated with animal control and sheltering, contribute to a cleaner and safer community, and promote responsible pet ownership. By these means, Lamar County ensures the welfare and safety of both animals and residents.

(2) Mandate.

a. In addition to subsection (d), an owner, custodian, or guardian must also provide proof of sterilization by certificate or letter from a licensed veterinarian.

b. If an animal is found not to be spayed/neutered, the owner, custodian, or guardian must sign an agreement to sterilize their animal(s) within thirty (30) calendar days; or

c. If an animal is found not to be spayed/neutered, the owner, custodian, or guardian may purchase an unaltered permit tag from Lamar County. The cost of an unaltered permit tag is outlined in section 2-4-66.

(3) Exemptions.

a. Individuals who are nonresidents of Lamar County and reside temporarily in Lamar County for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days within a twelve (12) month period.

b. Lawful humane societies/animal shelters licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture whose principal purpose is to secure the adoption of animals or offer sanctuary for dogs and cats.

c. Veterinary hospitals.

d. Persons who own, keep, harbor, or have custody of a registered service animal or working police dogs.

e. Persons who own, keep, harbor, or have custody of actively competitive or retired show dogs or cts. To qualify for this exemption, the dog or cat must be of a breed recognized by and registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), and meets one (1) of the following requirements:

f. The dog or cat has competed in at least one (1) show or sporting competition sanctioned by a bona fide national registry within the past three hundred sixty-five (365) days. Written confirmation by the sponsor that the dog or cat has competed is necessary to satisfy this requirement.

i. The dog has earned conformation, obedience, agility, carting, herding, hunting, protection, rally, sporting, working, or other titles from a purebred dog registry, as referenced above and confirmed in writing by the organization.

ii. The dog or cat is registered with a bona fide purebred dog breed club or cat fanciers association, which maintains and enforces a code of ethics restricting breeding dogs or cats with genetic defects and life-threatening health problems that commonly threaten the breed and confirmed in writing by the organization.

iii. The owner of the animal signs a statement under oath attesting that the dog or cat is being trained to comply with and qualify for the exemption set out in subsections i. or ii. above,

iv. Persons who own, keep, or have custody of a dog or cat and who are in possession of a written certification provided by a licensed veterinarian stating that the animal has serious health condition which renders the animal unfit to undergo the required surgical procedure.

v. Persons who are Georgia State Department of Agriculture licensed breeders.

Sec. 2-4-67. – Unaltered animal permit.

(a) Owners, custodians, or guardians of an intact animal must apply for an unaltered animal permit with Lamar County following impoundment, unless an owner, custodian, or guardian entered an agreement to have the animal sterilized. The county animal control will issue the permit upon compliance with this article’s requirements and payment of the established fees. A certificate identifying the animal as permitted must be available for inspection at all times.

(b) Unaltered animal permit fees are set in accordance with and hereby referenced in section 2-4-66 of this chapter.

(c) Applicants for an unaltered animal permit must provide proof of rabies vaccination or pay for the rabies voucher upon reclaim before the permit is issued.

(d) An unaltered animal permit tag will be issued for each unaltered animal. Owners must ensure the tag is securely fastened to the animal’s collar or harness at all times.

(e) Unaltered animal permit tags are valid from January to December of each year. Owners must renew their permits annually by the second Friday of January each year after.

(f) Failure to obtain unaltered animal permit. It shall be unlawful to possess an unaltered animal without a valid permit.