Montgomery County, Maryland

Sec. 5-303. Impoundment.

(d)   Multiple impoundments.

(1)   If an unaltered dog or cat is impounded 2 or more times, the owner must have the animal altered at the owner’s expense within 30 days after the animal is released from impoundment or surrender the animal to the Executive Director unless:

(A)   the owner appeals to the Board within 10 days after the date of the second violation; and

(B)   the Board after a hearing waives this requirement or orders other action.

Sec. 5-304. Disposition.

(g)   Adoption. The Executive Director may place an abandoned animal for adoption as a pet unless the Board or the Executive Director decides adoption of the animal is not in the best interest of public health or safety. A dog or cat placed for adoption must be altered by a licensed veterinarian, at the expense of the person adopting the animal, within a time specified by the Executive Director. The Executive Director must set the deadline for altering based on the animal’s age, sex, and health, but the deadline must be within 3 months after the adoption. If the owner of an adopted animal does not alter the animal by the deadline, the owner must return the animal to the animal shelter.