Texas HB4819 mandates sterilization for dogs and cats before adoption, with a refundable fee for those not already sterilized.

Texas HB4819 amends the Health and Safety Code to require that releasing agencies may not release a dog or cat for adoption unless the animal has been sterilized or the new owner signs an agreement to have the animal sterilized and pays a refundable $75 fee. The releasing agency must collect this fee from new owners who adopt an unsterilized dog or cat and refund it if the owner provides proof of sterilization. Any unrefunded fees must be remitted to the comptroller, who will deposit them into an account for grants to organizations providing sterilization services.

Texas HB4819 mandates sterilization for dogs and cats before adoption, with a refundable fee for those not already sterilized.

Texas HB4819 amends the Health and Safety Code to require that releasing agencies may not release a dog or cat for adoption unless the animal has been sterilized or the new owner signs an agreement to have the animal sterilized and pays a refundable $75 fee. The releasing agency must collect this fee from new owners who adopt an unsterilized dog or cat and refund it if the owner provides proof of sterilization. Any unrefunded fees must be remitted to the comptroller, who will deposit them into an account for grants to organizations providing sterilization services.