Tracy Municipal Code Art. 7 Breeder Certificates

(a) The term "breeder certificate" shall mean a written authorization issued by Animal Services giving the holder of the certificate permission to breed one litter per year per designated animal.

(b) The term "breeder certificate holder" means the individual who applies for and obtains a breeder certificate from Animal Services.

(Ord. No. 1308, § 1(Exh. A), 6-1-2021)

(a) A breeder certificate shall be effective for a period of one (year). Upon application and issuance of a breeder certificate, Animal Services will provide a breeder certificate number. The designated animal must be licensed pursuant to section 5.08.130 of this chapter. The fee for a breeder certificate shall be established by resolution of City Council.

(b) Any breeder certificate holder who advertises to the public the availability of any dog or cat for sale, adoption, or transfer, whether for compensation or otherwise, must prominently display the breeder certificate number on any such advertisement. Further, the breeder certificate holder must provide the breeder certificate number on any receipt of sale or transfer document to any person who purchases, adopts, or receives any animal from the breeder certificate holder.

(c) A breeder certificate holder may not sell, adopt, or transfer, whether for compensation or otherwise, any animal until it has reached the age of at least seven (7) weeks and has received its first immunization.

(d) The following animals are exempt from the breeder certificate requirements:

(1) Dogs appropriately trained and actively used by law enforcement agencies for law enforcement and rescue activities;

(2) Animals under the care of governmental agencies or Animal Services;

(3) Dogs documented as guide, signal, or service dogs;

(4) Dogs documented and enrolled in a guide, signal, or service dog breeding program;

(5) Dogs and cats under the care of valid 501(c)(3) animal rescue organizations at the discretion of Animal Services;

(6) Dogs and cats under the care of humane societies or societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals at the discretion of Animal Services; and

(7) When a veterinarian has determined that spaying or neutering is inappropriate due to the animal's age or health.

(Ord. No. 1308, § 1(Exh. A), 6-1-2021)