4:19-15.31 Exceptions to sterilization requirement for adopted animals.

4. a. Pursuant to the pilot program established under section 3 of P.L.2011, c.142 (C.4:19-15.30), a person may adopt and remove a cat or dog from a shelter, pound, or kennel operating as a shelter or pound, without sterilizing the cat or dog, if: (1) the cat or dog is less than six months old; and (2) the person pays a refundable deposit, the amount of which is to be established by the shelter, pound, or kennel operating as a shelter or pound.

b. The shelter, pound, or kennel operating as a shelter or pound shall refund the deposit required pursuant to subsection a. of this section if, within 180 days after the date of adoption, the person who adopted the cat or dog submits a certification from a licensed veterinarian that the cat or dog (1) has been sterilized, or (2) cannot be sterilized because it would be detrimental to the health of the cat or dog for reasons other than age. The shelter, pound, or kennel operating as a shelter or pound shall issue the refund within 30 days after receipt of the licensed veterinarian's certification.

c. A person adopting a cat or dog that cannot be sterilized for reasons other than age may remove the cat or dog from the shelter, pound, or kennel operating as a shelter or pound without paying a deposit on the cat or dog, provided that a licensed veterinarian has certified the cat or dog cannot be sterilized because it would be detrimental to the health of the cat or dog for reasons other than age.

L.2011, c.142, s.4.