L.A. Law Requires All Dogs, Cats to be Sterilized

February 29, 2008

LOS ANGELES – Its official, with a few exceptions, every dog or cat in Los Angeles must be spayed or neutered by four months of age. The comprehensive law is geared at reducing the euthanasia rates in the pet friendly city.

Signed into law Tuesday by L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the change takes effect Oct. 1.

“We will, sooner rather than later, become a no-kill city and this is the greatest step in that direction,” said Councilman Tony Cardenas, a co-author of the bill.

The ordinance is aimed at reducing the number of cats and dogs that are needlessly put down per annum. In 2007, the city euthanized 15,000 of 50,000 pets that came through shelter doors – or 30 percent of stray and abandoned animals.

For taxpayers, the cost really adds up. The city spends about $2 million each year on euthanasia costs alone – money that could be well used elsewhere.

Opponents of the law take offense to the age barrier – citing concerns of the animals’ physical immaturity for such a severe procedure.

But in recent years, notions of what age is the right age to sterilize cats and dogs have begun to change. Dr. Dick Rosebrock, a Texas veterinarian, has become a well-known proponent of Early Sterilization Programs.

He has said that through the years, common belief about the right age to sterilize has changed, and now he and other vets believe adolescence is the best time to cut.

Cats reach maturity between five and nine months old, while dogs are considered full-grown at six months to a year.

The law exempts a few specific cases. For example, animals whose lives could be threatened by surgery, competitive and/or show dogs and cats, guide, police and dogs and breeding animals can avoid going under the knife.

Other than those, each animal is subject to the new ordinance. That includes older pets and those new to the city.

If caught in violation of the law, first time offenders will be given information about the procedure and an additional 60 days to comply. Should a person fail to obey again, they face a $100 fine and eight hours of community service. A third offense brings up to a $500 fine and 40 hours of community service.

The city is serious about controlling the pet population, it seems – a fact that former game show host Bob Barker, who attended a press conference Monday where the law was announced, is ecstatic about.

“The next time you hear me say, ‘Help control the pet population, have your pet spayed or neutered,’ I can add, ‘It’s the law, Los Angeles,’ ” he said.

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Matt Van Hoven is a reporter/editor for Pet Pulse on ZootooTV. He can be reached at news@zootoo.com or 201-210-5452, ext. 1019.