Rockdale County, Georgia

Sec. 18-23. – Impoundment; redemption; adoption; disposition.

(b) Redemption. It shall be the responsibility of Rockdale County Animal Services to notify the owner of each dog impounded if the owner of the dog is known or can be reasonably ascertained. The owner of any dog impounded may, within 72 hours, reclaim the dog by the payment of a reasonable administrative impoundment fee and boarding fee as set by the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners for each day the dog was impounded and the cost of rabies inoculation if the dog impounded was not wearing a current rabies inoculation tag, or it the owner of the animal does not have a current rabies inoculation certificate. In addition, the following minimal penalties for violation of this section shall apply:

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(3) Third violation within 12 months immediately following the first violation: an impound fee of an amount established in the Rockdale County Animal Services Fee Schedule for a third violation shall be imposed, and the owner shall be responsible for having the dog spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of reclaim; however, the dog shall not be spayed or neutered if a minimum of two licensed veterinarians each provide a written statement that spay or neuter would be medically unsafe for the dog.

(c) Adoption. Rockdale County Animal Services may offer for adoption to any person, not limited by this chapter, any animal unredeemed or unclaimed by the owner after 72 hours and upon compliance with the following provisions:

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(2) All fertile dogs and cats adopted from Rockdale County Animal Services shall be neutered or spayed before going to the new adopted home. This shall not apply to licensed rescue groups adopting animals from the animal services shelter. The licensed groups will be required to spay or neuter the animals after taking possession of the animals in accordance with Georgia Department of Agriculture rules and regulations.

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(4) Upon complete of neutering or spaying within the period specified by this section, the person or organization who adopted the dog or cat shall provide proof of the sterilization to Rockdale County Animal Services within ten days of sterilization.