Farmersville, TX Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Sec. 11-200(a) bars the shelter from releasing any dog or cat for adoption unless the animal has a microchip, has been sterilized, and has a rabies vaccination, or the new owner instead signs an adoption sterilization agreement pledging to have both done. Sec. 11-200(b) sets the completion deadline at the 30th day after adoption for an adult animal, or the 30th day after the animal is estimated to turn six months old for an infant, unless a veterinarian's letter documents a medical reason to wait; the agreement itself must print, in bold conspicuous type, that missing the deadline makes the owner guilty of a class C misdemeanor.

Sec. 11-200(c) lets the shelter extend the deadline 30 days at a time, with no cap on the number of extensions, upon a veterinarian's written report that surgery could jeopardize the animal's life or health. Sec. 11-201 then requires the new owner deliver a vet-signed sterilization certificate within seven days of the surgery, or, if the animal dies or is lost or stolen before the deadline, a signed letter explaining that within the same seven days instead. Sec. 11-202 lets the shelter cite the owner once that paperwork hasn't arrived seven days past the completion date. Separately, Sec. A. Health and Safety Code ch. 828's statewide sterilization framework generally, with a copy available from the animal control officer.