§ 34-318. Adoption of impounded animals.

(a)

The Fulton County Animal Control as a designee of the Fulton County Government shall offer for adoption or placement cats and/or dogs not claimed by the person having the right of possession or any cat and/or dog that may be designated as a stray.

(b)

Animals not placed for adoption through the Fulton County Animal Control program may be made available to qualified adoption facilitators, rescue groups and animal shelters on a first come first served basis. Upon request, qualified adoption facilitators, rescue groups and animal shelters must provide proof of Georgia state licensing, or proof of non-profit status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code if incorporated outside the State of Georgia, prior to receiving each such individual animal. Qualified adoption facilitators, rescue groups and animal shelters may be required to reimburse the county for any medical care/testing done on the animal by the county or its agents.

(c)

All animals housed at the animal control shelter shall be under the authority of the animal control director or his/her designee. No animal will be released for adoption or placement prior to the holding period required by section 34-317(c) and with the written approval of the animal control director or his/her designee.

(d)

The animal control director may confer ownership (permit adoption) of any animal which has become the property of the animal control shelter to a qualified adoption facilitator, rescue group or animal shelter, subject to conditions prescribed by the animal control director including, but not limited to, the following:

(1)

Payment of any vaccination, licensing, or veterinary costs may be the responsibility of the receiving organization;

(2)

Evidence satisfactory to the animal control director that the animal has been, or will be, examined by a veterinarian and vaccinations against rabies and other diseases administered; and

(3)

Evidence satisfactory to the animal control director that the animal has been, or will be, neutered or spayed.

(e)

Fulton County Government or its designee shall be held harmless and free from liability for any animal adopted or placed with a qualified adoption facilitator, rescue group or animal shelter.

(91-RC-441, § S, 8-21-91; 16-0728, Exh. A, 9-7-16)