Marion County, Florida

Sec. 4-21. – Spay/neuter program.

Florida Statute § 823.15 expresses a determination of the Florida Legislature that uncontrolled breeding of dogs and cats leads to unwanted animals, strays, animal suffering, destruction of animals at great expense to the community constituting a nuisance and public health hazard. The board of county commissioners hereby finds that:

(1) Marion County is committed to finding humane and cost effective means of reducing the production of unneeded and unwanted puppies and kittens by:

a. Assuring compliance with the Florida State Statute providing the sterilization of all adopted and rescued domestic animals prior to their release from Marion County Animal Center. [F.S. § 823.15(2)(a)]

b. Providing subsidized targeted spay/neuter services to the pets of Marion County citizens by means of the neuter commuter and offering public surgery services within the Marion County Animal Center. Targeted groups include:

1. Income qualified pet owners.

2. Community cats.

3. Large breed dogs.

4. Pets in high intake areas.

c. Partnering with animal rescue organizations to help meet their spay/neuter obligations.

d. Providing licensed veterinarians to perform these services.

Sec. 4-28. – Irresponsible animal owner.

(c) Upon conclusion of any appeal, or the expiration of any right to an appeal, a person who has a conviction for an irresponsible pet owner class II violation shall, for a period of three (3) years after the date of the most recent conviction, be subject to the following regulations:

(1) Any owned dogs or cats shall be spayed/neutered and microchipped within thirty (30) days.