This ordinance requires that all animals who are 6 months of age or older be spayed and neutered, with some exemptions provided.
ARTICLE IV. – SPAY/NEUTER AND REGISTRATION OF DOGS AND CATS
Sec. 5-42. – Sterilization requirement.
No person may own, keep, harbor, or have custody of a dog or cat six months of age or older within the Macon-Bibb County that has not been spayed or neutered unless such person holds an unaltered animal permit for each unaltered dog or cat, or unless the dog or cat is otherwise exempt under this article.
Sec. 5-43. – Exemptions.
The following persons shall not be required to obtain an unaltered animal permit:
(1) An individual who is a non-resident of Macon-Bibb County and resides temporarily therein for a period not to exceed 120 days within a 12-month period;
(2) Lawful humane societies/animal shelters, whether public or private, licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture whose principal purpose is securing the adoption of dogs or cats or offering sanctuary for dogs or cats and which certify in writing to the animal welfare department that they does not engage in the breeding of dogs or cats. Such organizations must comply with the mandatory sterilization requirements applicable to animal shelters and rescue organizations pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 4-14-1 et seq., the Georgia Animal Protection Act, O.C.G.A. § 4-11-1 et seq., and other applicable laws and regulations of the Georgia Department of Agriculture;
(3) Veterinary hospitals; and
(4) Person who provide nourishment and care for feral cat colonies that are registered and in compliance with Macon-Bibb County Animal Welfare Department requirements. A person who registers a feral cat colony shall not have to obtain an unaltered license tag for any cat in the colony provided such cats remain feral and the colony registration is renewed annually. Every cat in a feral cat colony must be spayed or neutered.
