Porterville, California

5-2.2: MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTER REQUIREMENT:

It has been shown that mandatory spaying/neutering proves to be effective in reducing the population of animals in cities. By requiring mandatory spaying/neutering, the police department is working to reduce the number of euthanizations conducted in the city of Porterville each year. Spaying/neutering has been shown to be effective in reducing animals running at large and also reduces aggressive behavior in animals. As an additional benefit, this requirement will cut costs to the community in managing the pet population.

A.   Requirement For Unaltered Animals: No person may keep, own or harbor an unaltered dog over four (4) months of age within the city limits, unless an unaltered license has been properly obtained. An owner or custodian of an unaltered dog must have the animal spayed or neutered or obtain an unaltered license in accordance with the exceptions to the spay/neuter requirements as described in subsection B of this section.

B.   Unaltered Animal License: An owner or custodian of an unaltered dog over the age of four (4) months must obtain an annual unaltered animal license. The license shall be issued only if the department has determined that all of the following conditions have been met:

1.   The owner or custodian has submitted the required application for the license and the applicable fees for the license have been paid in accordance with the fee schedule as set by resolution of the city council.

2.   The animal meets one or more of the following exemptions:

a.   An animal unable to be spayed/neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death due to age or infirmity, which is confirmed in writing from a licensed veterinarian.

b.   A competition animal as defined in this chapter.

c.   A service animal which shall include, but not be limited to, assistance dogs, guide dogs, signal dogs, police dogs, search and rescue animals, or other service animals as defined by applicable state or federal law, or is being trained for such use.

d.   An animal associated with a licensed kennel within the city for breeding purposes.