L.A. City Council Gives Preliminary Approval for Mandatory Sterilization
Mandatory SN PassesUPDATE 2/27/08: Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Tuesday signed one of the nation's toughest laws on pet sterilization, requiring nearly all dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered by the time they are 4 months old. The ordinance is aimed at reducing and eventually eliminating the thousands of euthanizations conducted in Los Angeles' animal shelters every year.
"We will, sooner rather than later, become a no-kill city and this is the greatest step in that direction," said Councilman Tony Cardenas.
02/06/08: One Step Closer to Spay/NeuterLos Angeles, CA - Most dogs and cats in the city of Los Angeles will have to be spayed or neutered by four months of age under an ordinance that received preliminary approval Friday from the Los Angeles City Council. The ordinance is intended to reduce the number of animals in the city's shelters and decrease euthanizations, which costs the city about $2 million a year.
"The fact is that this is a humane ordinance. This is an ordinance that is seeking to be sensitive to the issues not only of the animals but also the owners," said City Councilman Richard Alarcón, who proposed the pet-sterilization law. "Far too many [backyard] breeders are treating animals in an inhumane way and disrupting communities. Far too many kids fear walking to school. Far too many people have been maimed by animals roaming the streets."
Animal Services General Manager Ed Boks estimated that it will cost $380,000 to $400,000 to implement the ordinance. Owners who do not comply with the law would receive information on subsidized sterilization services. If their pets are not fixed within 60 days, owners could face a $100 fine. A third offense could result in a $500 fine or 40 hours of community service.
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