Can I legally require a signed settlement for spay/neuter?


Query

I’m not a breeder, however I’ve a litter of puppies from an unintentional mating for which I would like to search out houses. I need to forestall future accidents and don’t want them to breed. I’m contemplating requiring new homeowners to signal a notarized settlement stating the animal could be spayed or neutered when age-appropriate. The puppies’ vet advised utilizing a part of the charge to prepay for surgical procedure as an incentive. I believe that is a good suggestion but additionally understand it alone is not a assure it might be executed since as soon as the charge is paid, the brand new homeowners don’t have any ties to what the cash is used for. Can I require new homeowners to signal an settlement, and the way legally binding would it not be? Wouldn’t it have to be notarized to make it legally binding?

Reply

Whereas a lawsuit towards an adopter or purchaser for breach of an adoption or animal sale contract might be introduced if the adopter/purchaser fails to spay/neuter as prescribed within the sale/adoption settlement, these instances can take some time and could also be expensive. Within the meantime, extra litters might be born. It’s usually higher to have animals spayed/neutered previous to sale/adoption. Many shelters already spay/neuter previous to releasing animals for adoption. When they don’t, it’s common for shelters both by coverage or legislation to require adopters to signal an settlement to have the animal sterilized by a sure date and to go away a spay/neuter deposit which is refundable solely upon well timed proof of spaying/neutering. Notarizing is just not needed however requiring that ID be proven (and retaining a replica of it) could also be useful.

Whereas circuitously on level to your query, Florida’s legislation states, partially: “…provision shall be made for the sterilization of all canines and cats bought or launched for adoption from any public or personal animal shelter or animal management company operated by a humane society or by a county, metropolis, or different included political subdivision, by both: (a) Offering sterilization by a licensed veterinarian earlier than relinquishing custody of the animal; or (b) Coming into right into a written settlement with the adopter or purchaser guaranteeing that sterilization will probably be carried out inside 30 days or previous to sexual maturity. The shelter or animal management company shall require a enough deposit from the adopter or purchaser, which deposit shall be refundable upon presentation to the shelter or animal management company of written proof by the veterinarian performing the sterilization that the animal has been sterilized.” Native legal guidelines range so they need to be checked out.

As you might have personally seen, failing to spay/neuter may end up in indiscriminate breeding. There are already so many homeless animals at shelters/rescues (together with puppies and kittens) ready for a loving residence.

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