(A) An animal that is at least eight months of age and has been impounded two or more times by the Animal Services Division or at its direction must be sterilized. Such animal will not be released from impound unless the owner of the animal:
(1) Signs an agreement on a form prescribed by the Animal Services Division promising to have the animal sterilized by a licensed veterinarian; and
(2) Deposits the sum of $100 in immediately available good funds with the Animal Services Division to secure the obligation to timely have the animal sterilized.
(B) The deadline for providing proof of sterilization under this section is 30 days following the date of the animal's release from impound. The Shelter Manager shall extend the deadline for sterilization on presentation of a written report from a licensed veterinarian stating that the life or health of the animal may be jeopardized by surgery. There is no limit on the number of extensions which may be granted. If a deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the deadline is extended to noon on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
(C) If the animal is sterilized, the owner shall file a certificate or letter from a licensed veterinarian with the Shelter Manager that briefly describes the animal, states that the animal has been sterilized, and provides the date on which the animal was sterilized.
(D) If the animal dies or is lost or stolen before being sterilized, the owner shall file a sworn statement with the Shelter Manager attesting to such death, loss or theft, and describing the circumstances thereof with reasonable detail and specificity.
(E) If the owner timely files a letter or certificate under division (C), or a sworn statement under division (D), the $100 sterilization deposit will be refunded to the owner. No other fees associated with the impound will be refunded. If the owner fails to timely file proof of sterilization, loss or theft under this section, the sterilization deposit will be automatically forfeited to the city without further notice and the owner will not thereafter be entitled to a refund of any portion thereof.
(F) The owner's obligations under this section do not extend the deadline for reclaiming the animal from impound, and any animal not timely reclaimed will be subject to forfeiture, adoption, or destruction as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(G) An owner who fails to timely file proof of sterilization, loss or theft under this section commits an offense.
(Ord. 2019-36, passed 10-22-19)