North Little Rock, Arkansas

Sec. 10-8. – Sterilization of impounded dogs and cats.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any pound, shelter, or humane organization supported wholly or partly by public funds to release any dog or cat which has not been sterilized to a new owner unless, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a promise to spay or neuter the animal has been signed by the person acquiring the animal.

(b)

(1) The sterilization shall be performed by the date stipulated, except that the releasing agency may grant an extension of time not to exceed 30 days upon the request of the owner.

(2)

a. The signed promise shall be binding, and failure to comply shall constitute a violation of this section.

b. In such case, the animal described therein shall be returned to the releasing agency upon demand. Ownership of the animal reverts to the releasing agency in such instance. No claim may be made by the owner to recover expenses incurred for maintenance of the animal, including the initial procurement cost.

(c)

(1) In any county in the state having a population of 300,000 or more persons according to the most recent federal decennial census, it shall be unlawful for any pound, shelter, or humane organization to release to a new owner any dog or cat over two months of age which has not been sterilized except as provided in subsection (c)(2) of this section.

(2)

 a. An animal which in the opinion of a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Arkansas is medically compromised to the extent that it cannot withstand immediate sterilization may be temporarily released pursuant to a foster care agreement until such time as it can safely be sterilized or until two veterinarians licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Arkansas certify that is unlikely that the animal will ever recover to the extent that it can safely be sterilized.

b.

1. At that time, ownership of the animal may be transferred to an owner who certifies that the animal will not be used for breeding.

2. An owner who violates the agreement shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsection (d) of this section.

(d) Violations of this section are declared to be misdemeanors punishable by a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00.

Sec. 10-96. – Dog or cat license required.

(a) Any person who owns, keeps, or harbors a dog or cat in the city that is at least 16 weeks old shall obtain a city dog or cat license on an annual basis. Any city dog or cat license issued by a city official or an authorized veterinarian shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance. No dog or cat license shall be issued for a dog or cat unless the animal has been vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian within the past 60 days. If a dog or cat is found without the required license the owner shall be charged with the offense of failure to license a dog or cat.

(b) The cost of a city dog or cat license shall be $5.00 for sterilized dogs or cats and $30.00 for unsterilized dogs or cats. However, the cost of a city dog or cat license for an unsterilized dog or cat, who based upon a written opinion of a duly licensed veterinarian, is not capable of being sterilized due to a serious medical risk or a serious medical condition, shall be $5.00. In the prosecution for failure to license a dog or cat, it shall be presumed that an unsterilized dog or cat does not have an abovementioned serious medical risk or condition.

(c) Any person required to obtain a dog or cat license pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) above has the option, in lieu of said annual license, to obtain a lifetime dog or cat license if their dog or cat is sterilized. To be eligible for a lifetime license, the owner must purchase and implant an approved microchip from a qualified veterinarian. There shall be no cost for a lifetime license for a sterilized dog or cat. It shall be the burden of the owner to prove that a lifetime license has been obtained. Any person obtaining a lifetime animal license pursuant to this section shall still be required to have his or her pet vaccinated pursuant to section 10-6.