(A) Violation: An animal that is off the premises of the owner or keeper of said animal and not under the control of the owner or any other person by leash, cord, chain, or other physical means of control is hereby declared to be an animal running at large.
(B) Unaltered Animals: If an unaltered animal that is six (6) months of age or older has been determined to be an animal running at large twice within a twelve-month period, the animal owner, custodian, or guardian shall be required to purchase a spay/neuter certificate when the animal is reclaimed. This spay/neuter certificate shall expire within thirty (30) days and is redeemable at a veterinarian of the animal owner's choice. The owner must pay any additional veterinarian fees accrued and all other impound and board fees before the animal is released. If the unaltered animal is found to be an animal running at large a third time within twelve (12) months, or five (5) times over the life of the animal, the mandatory sterilization rule will be strictly enforced and the animal shall be transported by animal control for spay or neuter to a veterinarian of the animal owner's choice. The animal owner shall be responsible for all veterinarian fees and shall pay all impound fees before the animal will be released to the owner. The animal owner has ten (10) days from the date of the notice to appeal this mandatory sterilization to City Court. The order of sterilization shall be stayed until the appeal time has expired.
(C) Penalties: See section 6-2-16 of this chapter. (Ord. 900, 8-21-2017)