Sec. 14-42. Spay or neuter.
(a) Spay or neuter required. It shall be unlawful to own, possess or keep in the city any dog, rabbit, or cat over the age of six months that has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
(b) Exceptions. The following are exceptions to the spay or neuter requirements in subsection (a) of this section:
(1) Medical. A licensed veterinarian has determined that an animal is medically unsuited to undergo the surgical procedure. A signed statement from a licensed veterinarian is required and shall state specifically the medical grounds for the exemption.
(2) Temporary medical. When the animal's medical condition is temporary in nature, the licensed veterinarian shall sign a written statement as to the prognosis and when the surgery may be performed. The date given on that prognosis shall become the expiration date of the temporary medical exemption. After the period of the temporary medical exemption, spay or neuter shall be required unless a licensed veterinarian provides another temporary medical exemption and prognosis and when the surgery may be performed.
(3) Transitory status. An animal which is temporarily in the city. When an animal is temporarily in the city for breeding purposes, the owner of such animal is required to have and present, when requested, a certificate of health signed by a licensed veterinarian.
(4) Intact license. An owner obtains an annual intact license and is in compliance with the city annual intact licensing requirements contained in this chapter.
(c) Penalty. Any owner convicted of violating this section shall be subject to the penalty provisions as provided by section 1-13. Upon a second conviction of violating this section involving the same animal, in addition to the penalty provisions as provided by section 1-13, the owner shall be required to spay or neuter the animal unless the owner provides a written statement from a licensed veterinarian that the spay or neuter procedure would be harmful or dangerous to the health of the animal. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preventing the animal protection officer from instituting a proceeding in the municipal court for violation of this section where there has been no impoundment. (Code 1979, § 7-15; Ord. No. 2020-55, § 22, 11-2-2020; Ord. No. 2009-42, § 1, 9-28-2009; Ord. No. 2002-70, § 5, 11-18-2002; Ord. No. 97-51, § 7, 10-13-1997)