§ 7-267. Spaying and neutering.

(a)

Legislative findings. It is the purpose of this section to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the residents of the city by reducing the number of stray dogs and cats. The unified government board of commissioners finds that each year, thousands of dogs and cats are euthanized in the city because they are not wanted. It is the purpose of this section to eliminate the excessive number of unwanted animals and thereby stop the needless killing of these animals by restricting the breeding practices of pet owners and breeders through legislation that is both reasonable and enforceable.

(b)

Prohibition. It shall be unlawful to own, possess or keep in the city any dog or cat over the age of six months that has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section.

(c)

Exceptions. The prohibition contained in subsection (b) of this section shall not apply:

(1)

If a licensed veterinarian states in writing that an animal is unfit to undergo the required surgical procedure because of risk to the animal's health.

(2)

If the owner of the animal annually obtains a permit from the animal shelter to possess an animal that is not neutered. The permit shall be issued or renewed only if the director of animal control determines that the following conditions have been met:

a.

The animal is examined regularly by a licensed veterinarian;

b.

The animal is vaccinated annually for rabies and other common diseases;

c.

The animal is housed properly;

d.

The owner has not had more than two violations of the provisions of this chapter in the preceding 24 months;

e.

The owner pays a permit fee established by the county administrator. The fee is intended to cover a portion of the cost that the unified government currently incurs for each unwanted animal impounded and euthanized;

(3)

If an animal is temporarily in the city to participate in a show or event sponsored by a sanctioned animal organization;

(4)

If an animal is owned, possessed or kept in the city for fewer than 30 days in a one-year period.

(Code 1988, § 7-147; Ord. No. O-45-05, § 3, 6-2-2005; Ord. No. O-106-07, § 1(7-147), 12-17-2007; Ord. No. O-8-15 , § 1, 1-29-2015)