§ 6-22. Adoption of dogs and cats.

The city shall comply with all sterilization laws as set forth in V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code chapter 828, as amended. A copy of the statute may be obtained from animal services.

(1)

A person may adopt a dog and/or cat from animal services that has been spayed or neutered or will become spayed or neutered and classified as adoptable for the adoption fee as set forth in the animal services fee schedule. If the animal has not been spayed or neutered prior to adoption, the new owner must make arrangements to have the animal sterilized and vaccinated for rabies.

a.

Animal services may establish an adoption receipt and sterilization agreement for use in the adoption process and violation of any term of such agreement shall constitute a violation of this chapter.

b.

Any person who fails to sterilize an animal, as set forth in the sterilization agreement, is guilty of a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine.

(2)

The animal services manager or designee may refuse/deny the adoption of an animal for any valid reason, including but not limited to, a person to whom animal services has reason to believe:

a.

Would not have the proper facilities to contain or care for the animal;

b.

Wants the animal for the purpose of resale or for purposes other than pet ownership;

c.

There are reasonable grounds to believe the animal would be subjected to abandonment or cruelty;

d.

The person is under the age of 18; or

e.

That the purpose of the adoption is to avoid, or assist in the avoidance of, the enforcement of any provision of this chapter.

(3)

The animal services manager or designee shall be the sole judge as to whether an animal is suitable to offer for adoption; however, a decision to offer a particular animal for adoption shall not constitute any warranty, expressed or implied, of the health, temperament, or age of the animal.

(4)

The city and its agents, employees, and officers shall have no liability associated with the adoption or impoundment of any animal.

(Ord. No. 2018-001, § 2, 11-6-18)