§ 416-8.018. Spaying and neutering impounded dogs prior to release.

(a)

Unlicensed Dogs. Any unlicensed, unaltered dog impounded under Section 416-8.002 must be spayed or neutered prior to its release from the animal services department unless the dog is exempted from the license requirements under subsection (a) of Section 416-6.004 or has a medical exemption under subsection (d) of this section.

(b)

Licensed Dogs—First Impoundment Within a Three-Year Period. Any licensed, unaltered dog impounded under Section 416-8.002 will be released intact from the animal services department on the first occasion the dog is impounded within a three-year period.

(c)

Licensed Dogs—Second Impoundment Within a Three-Year Period. Any licensed, unaltered dog impounded under Section 416-8.002 a second time within a three-year period must be spayed or neutered prior to the dog's release from the animal services department unless the dog has a medical exemption under subsection (d) of this section.

(d)

Medical Exemption. The animal services department will release intact any unaltered dog impounded under Section 416-8.002 that cannot be spayed or neutered due to a medical condition that is confirmed by a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of California. Before releasing the dog, the animal services department will issue the dog's owner a written notice requiring the owner to spay or neuter the dog and provide proof of correction within two months of the date of the notice. The animal services department may extend the two-month correction period if, based on the opinion of a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of California, the medical condition continues to prevent the dog from being spayed or neutered. The dog's owner shall be responsible for paying the costs of any medical examinations rendered pursuant to this section.

(Ord. No. 2011-08, § II, 5-17-11)