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L.A. Puts Teeth In Spay-Neuter Law

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The Associated Press

Published: February 27, 2008

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.

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," Councilman Tony Cardenas said as he held a kitten at a city hall news conference.

The ordinance exempts some animals, including those that have competed in shows or sporting competitions, guide dogs, animals used by police agencies and those of 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, or as late as 6 months with a letter from a veterinarian.

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.

Los Angeles animal shelters took in 50,000 cats and dogs last year and euthanized about 15,000 at a cost of $2 million, according to city officials.

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