A. Applicability: It shall be unlawful for any person to own, harbor, keep or possess an unsterilized canine more than three (3) months of age within the city.
B. Exceptions: The provisions of this section shall not apply in the following instances:
1. A person visiting in the city for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days and owning or possessing a canine, if such canine is currently licensed or bearing a license issued by another municipality or other licensing authority, or if such person is a permanent resident where no such license is required; or
2. A licensed veterinarian states, in writing, that the canine is unfit to undergo the required surgical procedure because of a health condition. Age of a canine does not automatically constitute a prohibitive health condition for purposes of this subsection. The veterinarian must describe the physical condition or symptoms of the canine making it unfit to undergo the required surgery.
C. Nonsterilization Provisions Nullified: Upon the third impound of the same unsterilized canine, the canine shall be sterilized before it is returned to the owner. The owner shall be responsible for the cost of sterilization and other fees associated with the impoundment of their canine. (Ord. 556, 3-18-2015)