(A) Purpose. To promote spay and neuter of domestic dogs and cats by providing funds and education for alteration for Henderson County residents on spay and neuter services and issues.
(B) For the purpose of this section, ADOPTION means not commercially sold and includes all rescues, havens, shelters or other animal welfare, non-profit organizations in Henderson County, in addition to the County Animal Services Center.
(C) Assistance Program.
(1) Authority. Henderson County Animal Services is authorized to establish, equip, operate, maintain and provide spay/neuter services for Henderson County dogs and cats. Animal Services is likewise authorized to contract with any individual, corporation, nonprofit organization, governmental body or any other group for the purpose of providing alteration services for Henderson County cats and dogs.
(2) Assistance Fund. Henderson County Animal Services Center may establish a Spay and Neuter Assistance Program Fund to collect and distribute funds to assist eligible residents of Henderson County with financial resources for animal alteration. These monies may also be used toward education program costs. Funds collected at the Henderson County Animal Services Rabies Clinics shall be contributed to this Fund.
(3) SNAP voucher program. Vouchers may be available at the Henderson County Animal Services Center to low-income residents of Henderson County which may be redeemed for spay/neuter services at designated local providers.
(4) Boarding charge. Henderson County Animal Services shall establish a return date by which a person submitting an animal for alteration shall pick up the animal or be subject to a reasonable boarding fee as established by Henderson County to commence after the return date. If the animal is not picked up within 5 business days of the return date, Animal Services shall consider the animal abandoned and/or relinquished and may adopt out or euthanize the animal as necessary.
(D) Education program.
(1) Written information. Henderson County will prepare and distribute educational information to Henderson County pet owners regarding responsible pet ownership and retention, importance of animal alteration, and resources to assist eligible pet owners have their animals altered.
(2) Educational events. Henderson County may coordinate with related organizations and individuals to provide Henderson County residents with classes, events, and other activities to enhance the community's awareness of animal issues including animal overpopulation, responsible pet ownership and retention and the importance of alteration.
(3) Henderson County may prepare and distribute educational information regarding responsible pet ownership, animal alteration, spay/neuter assistance, and resources for assistance with other issues.
(Ord. O-17-16, passed 11-13-2017)