The Walker County Board of Commissioners has approved a new ordinance requiring certain dog and cat owners found in violation of the county’s animal control laws to spay or neuter their pets.
Commissioners voted Thursday, May 7, to amend Chapter 6 of the Walker County Code regarding animals. The ordinance targets residents who have been cited for violations such as animal cruelty or neglect.
Under the new rules, violators are prohibited from owning a dog six months of age or older that has not been spayed or neutered, or a cat four months of age or older that has not been altered.
The ordinance does allow exemptions for owners who obtain an annual unaltered animal license by paying a fee established through the Walker County Animal Shelter fee schedule approved by the Board of Commissioners.
Money collected through the licensing program will be used to support low-cost spay and neuter services and microchipping programs within the community.
Additional exemptions apply to owners with active commercial breeder or pet dealer licenses issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, animals with documented medical exemptions signed by a licensed veterinarian, and working animals used for farming, hunting, herding, service work, or show purposes.
The Walker County Animal Shelter said it will continue offering its existing spay and neuter voucher program while expanding resources available to pet owners throughout the county.