74Dogs and cats to be de-sexed if over certain age

74 Dogs and cats to be de-sexed if over certain age (1) A person must not keep a dog that has not been de-sexed if the person does not hold a permit for the dog. (2) A person must not keep a cat that has not been de-sexed if the person does not hold a permit for the cat. (4) This section does not apply in relation to— (a) a dog that is less than 6 months old or a cat that is less than 3 months old; or (b) a dog or cat born before 21 June 2001; or (c) a registered racing greyhound.

(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this section in relation to a dog or cat if— (a) the defendant proves that it is less than 28 days since the day the dog or cat first came into the defendant’s possession; or (b) the defendant proves that the defendant— (i) carries on the business of offering dogs or cats for sale by retail; and (ii) is keeping the dog or cat for the purpose of offering it for sale; or (c) a veterinary practitioner certifies in writing that de-sexing the dog or cat would be a serious health risk to the animal.