Section 4-14-3. Sterilization of dogs and cats required; exceptions; costs

   (a) Any public or private animal shelter, animal control agency operated by a political subdivision of this state, humane society, or public or private animal refuge shall make provisions for the sterilization of all dogs or cats acquired from such shelter, agency, society, or refuge by:

   (1) Providing sterilization by a licensed veterinarian before relinquishing custody of the animal; or

   (2) Entering into a written agreement with the person acquiring such animal guaranteeing that sterilization will be performed by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days after acquisition of such animal in the case of an adult animal or within 30 days of the sexual maturity of the animal in the case of an immature animal;

provided, however, that the requirements of this Code section shall not apply to any privately owned animal which any such shelter, agency, society, or refuge may have in its possession for any reason if the owner of such animal claims or presents evidence that such animal is the property of such person.

(b) All costs of sterilization pursuant to this Code section shall be the responsibility of the person acquiring such animal and, if performed prior to acquisition, may be included in any fees charged by the shelter, agency, society, or refuge for such animal.

(c) Any person acquiring an animal from a public or private animal shelter, animal control agency operated by a political subdivision of this state, humane society, or public or private animal refuge, which animal is not sterile at the time of acquisition, shall submit to the animal shelter, animal control agency, humane society, or public or private animal refuge a signed statement from the licensed veterinarian performing the sterilization required by paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section within seven days after such sterilization attesting that such sterilization has been performed.

(d) Every public or private animal shelter, animal control agency operated by a political subdivision of this state, humane society, or public or private animal refuge selling or offering for sale or exchange any dog or cat shall maintain and furnish to any person acquiring an animal from such shelter, agency, society, or refuge a current list of veterinarians licensed in this state who have notified the shelter, agency, society, or refuge that they are willing to perform sterilizations and the cost for such procedures.

Code 1981, § 4-14-3, enacted by Ga. L. 1994, p. 999, § 1.