TITLE 4

Animals and Animal Husbandry

CHAPTER 4-24

Permit Program for Cats

SECTION 4-24-3



   § 4-24-3  Spaying and neutering. –

(a) No person, as defined by § 4-19-2, shall own or harbor, within the

state, any cat over the age of six (6) months which has not been spayed or

neutered, unless such person has adopted a cat from a licensed releasing agency

as defined by § 4-19-2 and is subject to the spaying and neutering

requirements of § 4-19-16 or holds either a license to keep an unaltered

cat, or a license and permit for breeding cats issued by the animal control

officer for the city or town in which they live, or unless the caretaker states

that, due to age, health or illness it would be inappropriate to spay or neuter

the cat and having in their possession a letter from a licensed veterinarian

stating such, which shall be provided to the animal control officer.



   (b) An "intact" permit shall be issued for an unaltered cat

if the owner signs a written statement that such animal will not be allowed to

breed unless the owner has first obtained a breeding permit. An "intact" permit

may be issued by the animal control officer to an individual who refuses to

spay or neuter their cat. The fee for such a permit shall be one hundred

dollars ($100) per year. All funds from "intact" permits shall be deposited in

the city or town's spay/neuter account.



   (c) Any person providing care or sustenance for an

uninterrupted period of sixty (60) days or longer shall be deemed the owner of

such animal and shall adhere to the provisions of this chapter. Provided,

further, that cities and towns may, by ordinance, require a permit of persons

who provide care or sustenance for colony(s) of feral cats.



History of Section.

(P.L. 2006, ch. 59, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 63, § 1.)