2006 Code of Virginia § 3.1-796.126:1 - Sterilization of adopted dogs and cats; enforcement; civil penalty

3.1-796.126:1. Sterilization of adopted dogs and cats; enforcement; civilpenalty.

A. Every new owner of a dog or cat adopted from a releasing agency shallcause to be sterilized the dog or cat pursuant to the agreement required bysubdivision 2 of subsection B of this section.

B. A dog or cat shall not be released for adoption from a releasing agencyunless:

1. The animal has already been sterilized; or

2. The individual adopting the animal signs an agreement to have the animalsterilized by a licensed veterinarian (i) within thirty days of the adoption,if the animal is sexually mature, or (ii) within thirty days after the animalreaches six months of age, if the animal is not sexually mature at the timeof adoption.

C. A releasing agency may extend for thirty days the date by which a dog orcat must be sterilized on presentation of a written report from aveterinarian stating that the life or health of the adopted animal may bejeopardized by sterilization. In cases involving extenuating circumstances,the veterinarian and the releasing agency may negotiate the terms of anextension of the date by which the animal must be sterilized.

D. Nothing in this section shall preclude the sterilization of a sexuallyimmature dog or cat upon the written agreement of the veterinarian, thereleasing agency, and the new owner.

E. Upon the petition of an animal control officer, humane investigator, theState Veterinarian or a State Veterinarian's representative to the districtcourt of the county or city where a violation of this article occurs, thecourt may order the new owner to take any steps necessary to comply with therequirements of this article. This remedy shall be exclusive of and inaddition to any civil penalty which may be imposed under this article.

F. Any person who violates subsection A or B of this section shall be subjectto a civil penalty not to exceed fifty dollars.

(1993, c. 959; 1998, c. 817.)