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.
If you’d like to comment and see what others have to say, go to the news section of zootoo.com. Send us story ideas by emailing or calling us.
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.
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I think the thing that we need to remember is that there are more animals than ever being abused,abandoned,breeding on the loose,etc.,and up until now,what laws we have or don't have,are definitely NOT working for the animals.
It's hard to find a happy medium,and in this case I say that something has to be done,and done fast.
Sure,I don't want the government ruling my life any more than they're all ready doing now,but you know what......People are not taking care of business.And when it comes down to it,they don't suffer,all the animals that are put down daily are the ones to pay the consequences.
Our government spends Gazillions on "causes" out of our country every day,that we as tax payers help support.I think the least that the Government could do is to come up with a Nation wide program for a Low Cost Spay/Neuter program.
This is one law that I wouldn't mind,but our government needs to show the support and back us up as a nation..
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Some states like West Virginia are leading the way with programs to sterilize and treat stray cats so that they don't overrun an area or spread disease. Stray dogs are obviously more dangerous and can't be allowed to roam free, but the treat and release program is a good start!
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S/N is the only way to help with unwanted pets..
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