When an unaltered dog or cat is impounded pursuant to state and/or local law, in addition to satisfying applicable requirements for the release of the animal, the owner or custodian shall also do one of the following:
(A) Provide written proof from a California licensed veterinarian of the dog or cat's prior sterilization, if conditions cannot or do not make this assessment obvious to Department personnel;
(B) Accept dog or cat after micro chipping fees and any other applicable fees.
(1) Owner or custodian has 30 calendar days to have dog or cat sterilized and show proof to Tulare Animal Services at which time the license will be changed to an altered animal license and the difference will be reimbursed (for dogs only) or apply for an unaltered animal certification. An extension past the 30 calendar days shall be granted only if the owner or custodian provides written proof of a later set appointment for spay and neutering.
(2) If the animal is not sterilized within the allotted 30 calendar day period or has applied for an unaltered animal certification, the owner or custodian shall be charged for an unaltered animal license (for dogs only) and an administrative citation shall be issued for having an unaltered dog or cat. However, this citation may be waived if the owner is granted an unaltered animal certification. All billing practices shall be utilized to collect any delinquent fees and penalties associated.
(3) If in fact the dog or cat is incapable of breeding as outlined in § 6.12.400(C)(4) and (5), the owner will only be charged for an altered animal license with a notation that the animal is unaltered.
(Ord. 17-13, passed 12-19-2017)