SB1053 - 452R - House Bill Summary

House of Representatives

SB 1053

animal sterilization

Sponsors: Senators Smith, Gerard

DP	Committee on Retirement and Government Operations
DP	Caucus and COW
DP	Third Read
X	As Passed the House

SB 1053 prohibits unsterilized dogs and cats from being released for adoption from a county or municipal pound or animal shelter unless there is not a facility within a 20 mile radius to perform the surgery or a medical condition exists that requires a postponement of the surgery.

History

A.R.S. § 11-1022 was added to statute in 1990. It requires that the following must have taken place before dogs and cats are released for adoption from a county or municipal pound or animal shelter:

1. The dog or cat has been sterilized.

2. The adopting party signs an agreement to have the dog or cat sterilized within 30 days or before sexual maturity and deposit an amount sufficient to ensure that the dog or cat will be sterilized.

Statute also specifies that if the adoption fee includes sterilization, a deposit is not necessary. The deposit amount is determined by the pound or shelter to be comparable to the lowest fee charged by veterinarian in the county. After the sterilization has taken place, the adopting party shall be granted a refund by the pound or shelter.

Provisions

· Prohibits unsterilized dogs or cats from being released for adoption from a county or municipal pound or from an animal shelter unless:

1. There is no veterinary facility capable of performing surgical sterilization within a 20 mile radius.

2. If a veterinarian determines that a medical condition exists that requires a postponement of the surgery until it can be performed in a safe and humane manner.

· Specifies that if the above conditions exist, the adopting party shall sign an agreement to have the dog or cat spayed or neutered by a veterinarian within 15 days of a veterinarian’s determination that the surgery may be performed in a safe and humane manner.

· Removes the requirement that the animal shelter be a facility within the definition of animal shelter.

· Makes technical and conforming changes.

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· 45th Legislature