SB 250 Summary

• All dog owners must secure a license and ensure dogs are sterilized by 6 months of age, obtain a sterility certificate, or obtain an unaltered dog license issued by the local licensing agency.

• Owners of unsterilized cats 6 months or older are prohibited from allowing those cats to roam at large; such owners must have the cat sterilized or obtain a sterility certificate.

• Penalties and fines for violation of dog sterilization requirements may only be imposed if the owner concurrently violates other conditions such as allowing the dog to roam at large, animal cruelty, or rabies quarantine violations.

• When unsterilized dogs or cats are impounded, owners must pay impoundment costs and either provide proof of prior sterilization, pay for sterilization, or post a refundable deposit with written commitment to sterilize the animal within 10 days.

• Exemptions apply to dogs used for shepherding, herding, guarding livestock, cultivating agricultural products, hunting, field trials, and working guide dogs, signal dogs, service dogs, peace officer's dogs, or firefighter's dogs that are properly licensed.