Pet sterilization becomes law in LA

[Not Afraid]

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Tuesday signed one of the nation's toughest laws on pet sterilization, requiring most dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered by the time they are 4 months old.

Complete article here.

[BarTopDancer]

Good. There are to many unwanted animals and pets in shelters as it is

Originally Posted by article

The ordinance does exempt some animals, including those that have competed in shows or sporting competitions, guide dogs, animals used by police agencies and those belonging to professional breeders.

The average pet owner, however, must have their dog or cat spayed or neutered by the time it reaches 4 months of age (as late as 6 months with a letter from a veterinarian).

[Alex]

I'm too lazy to look into it. What is the enforcement? Most people never register their dogs and, particularly, cats in the first place.

[Sohrshah]

I'm torn about this new law. Yes, in the short run, it will keep many creatures from meeting horrible, untimely deaths. In the long run, it could create a scarcity of animals for people who want to own pets. Bred animals - particularly cats- are already very expensive. If drastically fewer animals are being born, them I do have some fear that having pets will become a luxury, and my heart breaks at that thought.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Sohrshah

I'm torn about this new law. Yes, in the short run, it will keep many creatures from meeting horrible, untimely deaths. In the long run, it could create a scarcity of animals for people who want to own pets. Bred animals - particularly cats- are already very expensive. If drastically fewer animals are being born, them I do have some fear that having pets will become a luxury, and my heart breaks at that thought.

I have thought about this in the past. I believe that there will be enough non compliance with this law that there will not be a shortage of animals. And if this law is successful, I am sure it would be relaxed at some point in the future if there really was a shortage.

[cirquelover]

Originally Posted by Alex

I'm too lazy to look into it. What is the enforcement? Most people never register their dogs and, particularly, cats in the first place.

Here you go: First-time offenders will receive information on subsidized sterilization services and be given an additional 60 days. If they still fail to comply they could be fined $100 and ordered to serve eight hours of community service. A subsequent offense could result in a $500 fine or 40 hours of community service

[madmonkeygirl]

That is my biggest fear too. Right now the agency who hold dog adoptions on Sundays at the store the adoption fee is has increased to the point of not being able to afford adopting unless you have the $$$ to do so. With this new law the breeders will have the advantage of getting $$$$. Owning an animal now will only be for the rich whereas those who struggle financially won't be able to afford havig an aimal.

[Alex]

cirquelover, but what is the method for finding offenders?

[cirquelover]

You know Alex they fail to explain how exactly they are going to find offenders. It does make you wonder though. I'm sure animal control has better things to do than go looking at all animals privates.

My guess would be if animal control finds your dog and it is not fixed you get fined. How they would deal with cats is another question. Our animal control won't even bother with a cat!

[innerSpaceman]

Originally Posted by madmonkeygirl

Owning an animal now will only be for the rich whereas those who struggle financially won't be able to afford havig an aimal.

Surely you mean buying an animal now will only be for the rich. Owning one has always only been for the rich. It's very, very expensive to own and properly care for a pet.