                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

STERILIZATION OF ADOPTED DOGS AND CATS; ENFORCEMENT; CIVIL PENALTY (§ 3.2-6574)

A. Every new owner of a dog or cat adopted from a releasing agency shall cause
to be sterilized the dog or cat pursuant to the agreement required by
subdivision 2 of subsection B of this article.

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

   1. The animal has already been sterilized; or

   2. The individual adopting the animal signs an agreement to have the animal
   sterilized by a licensed veterinarian: (i) within 30 days of the adoption, if
   the animal is sexually mature; or (ii) within 30 days after the animal reaches
   six months of age, if the animal is not sexually mature at the time of
   adoption.

C. A releasing agency may extend for 30 days the date by which a dog or cat must
be sterilized on presentation of a written report from a veterinarian stating
that the life or health of the adopted animal may be jeopardized by
sterilization. In cases involving extenuating circumstances, the veterinarian
and the releasing agency may negotiate the terms of an extension of the date by
which the animal must be sterilized.

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

E. Upon the petition of an animal control officer, humane investigator, the
State Veterinarian or a State Veterinarian&#8217;s representative to the
district court of the county or city where a violation of this article occurs,
the court may order the new owner to take any steps necessary to comply with the
requirements of this article. This remedy shall be exclusive of and in addition
to any civil penalty that may be imposed under this article.

F. Any person who violates subsection A or B of this section shall be subject to
a civil penalty not to exceed $250.

HISTORY: 1993, c. 959, § 3.1-796.126:1; 1998, c. 817; 2008, c. 860; 2010, c.
875.