§ 3-4-43. Adoption.

(a)

Henry County Animal Care and Control may offer for adoption or rescue any animal deemed relinquished to Henry County Animal Care and Control. All persons adopting animals shall be over eighteen (18) years of age and shall provide adequate and humane care as required. Any person adopting an animal shall not use the animal for breeding, fighting or profit and shall not engage in any research involving the use of the animal or supply the animal to any individual or institution which may use the animal in research.

(b)

Any person adopting an animal from Henry County Animal Care and Control shall pay an adoption fee in an amount stated in the Henry County Animal Care and Control schedule of fees. This fee includes all or part of the costs of a rabies inoculation.

(c)

Any person adopting an intact animal shall cause to have the animal sterilized within a period specified as follows:

(1)

Within thirty (30) days from the date of adoption for animals over the age of six (6) months or;

(2)

Within the first six (6) months of age for sexually immature animals.

(d)

Any adopted animal not sterilized within the time specified may be reclaimed by Henry County Animal Care and Control. If an animal is not sterilized after the time specified on the adoption agreement, the owner may receive a citation for violating this article.

(e)

The animal control director or his/her designee shall have the right to refuse adoption to any person or entity who, for any reason, in the discretion of the animal control director or his/her designee, may be deemed unsuitable as an adopter.

(f)

No person residing in the same household, nor any corporation, institute or other entity, may adopt more than three (3) animals within any 12-month period; however, nothing shall prohibit Henry County Animal Care and Control discretion to donate more than three (3) animals in a 12-month period, if the donation is in the best interest or welfare of the animal or it is in the best interest of public safety.

(g)

Owners may not adopt their impounded animal(s) from the Henry County Animal Care and Control Department to circumvent the paying of reclamation fees.

(Ord. No. 12-12, § II, 7-16-12)