HB2160 Summary

• Dogs and cats over 6 months of age must be sterilized unless the owner obtains an intact-animal license from the county clerk.

• Exemptions from sterilization requirements include: purebred dogs/cats registered with professional organizations, law enforcement or military dogs, animals in shelters or veterinary hospitals, animals medically unfit for surgery, and dogs used for hunting or field-trial competition with proper documentation.

• Owners of intact animals must apply for an annual license by providing proof of current rabies vaccination and paying a $50 annual fee; $25 is retained by the county for program administration and $25 funds county sterilization programs.

• Violations result in fines of $100 to $500 per offense, or courts may require sterilization in lieu of fines; unauthorized persons providing enforcement face class D misdemeanor charges.

• Enforcement is administered by animal control officers, law enforcement, wildlife officers, code officers, health officials, and other authorized agencies.