Controversial Spay/Neuter Law Becomes Mandatory
September 25th, 2008 by MiraOn October 1, a law requiring pet owners to spay or neuter their pets will become mandatory in Los Angeles. The law, which was devised as a way to stem the tide of pet overpopulation, was effective in April, but a grace period extended until October 1.
The law applies to all cats and dogs over the age of four months; pet owners found in violation are subject to fines starting at $100. Those exempt from the law include service animals, those with health concerns, dogs and cats in the show circuit, and those bred by professional breeders. The Los Angeles Animal Services website lists a number of resources for those in need of lower cost spay/neuter services.
Spay/neuter laws have been popping up throughout the US over the past year. Those in favor of these laws cite pet health benefits, as well as staggering overpopulation statistics – according to the Humane Society of the US, there 3 to 4 million animals euthanized in shelters across the country annually. Those opposing the law claim that this type of legislation does more harm than good by unfairly shutting down home breeders and taking away pet owners’ freedom to make their own decisions.
What do you think? Are mandatory spay/neuter laws a good idea? Leave a comment to share your thoughts on this topic.
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September 25th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I think anything that stops animals from being put down in shelters is a good thing.
September 25th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Vets are now saying that spaying and neutering is also beneficial to animals because it prevents the occurence of cancer of the reproductive organs. Anything that makes our animals happier, healthier and preventative of overpopulation and euthanasia has my full support!
September 25th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
I think this law is great idea, and I usually don’t agree with the government “interfering” with peoples freedoms. Thing is - this isn’t about people, it’s about all of those poor unwanted cats and dogs. I think it is a shame that lawmakers had to pass such a law. I would rather see pet owners be responsible enough to have their pets spayed / neutered without being required to do so; but that’s just not how it is. It seems to me that the law will be hard to enforce, but I think it is a step in the right direction!
September 25th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
This is the BEST news so far!!!! This amazing! Sorry for those breeders.. but this is for a bigger cause: to eliminate overpopulation in shelters! Next law should be harsher punishments for unlawful pet owners and access to affordable training and socialization!
I pray that EVERY state passes this law! Please do!!!!
September 25th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I hope this law catches on across the nation. We need to eliminate the backyard breeders out for easy money. I have sent messages to some of those breeders that advertise on Craigslist asking if they would consider not breeding to prevent overpopulation (very nicely, mind you) and their remarks are so hostile and usually along the lines of “this is America, I can do what I want…” I would say that kind of selfishness is what led to our current economy mess.
How could so-called animal lovers breed when there are thousands of animals, even pure-bred, being abandoned in this foreclosure crisis?? Ask any shelter in good ol’ America- they are overwhelmed with animals and short on funds.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I think it’s okay for feral or stray cats & dogs to control they’re population growth..but not for all pet owners (i’m not talking about breeders alone).. if only cats/dogs speak directly, I would say majority of them would say no to this operation..we should find ways to have “animal contraceptives or condoms” which don’t hurt much at all..thanks
September 26th, 2008 at 11:06 am
I believe this is a good idea, but too bad about not including professional dog breeders. It has been shown that many puppy mill owners mascarade as “professional” dog breeders. I personally believe there should be a manadory one-year moratorium in the United States against any/all breeding of household and “professionally” bred cats and dogs; just look at the staggering numbers of animals on petfinder.com and similar sites to understand why. Let’s give those hundreds of thousands of animals a chance at forever homes while reducing the ever-growing pet population in our country. One year! Can you imagine the difference one year would make?
September 27th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Who needs breeders when the shelters are loaded with wonderful pets in need of a loving home. Unresponsible breeding leads to more animals in shelters in need of more homes. Many home breeders and puppy mills are in to make a buck and are not concerned with the wellfare of the parent or puppy. They breed/inbreed dogs with health problems, only to pass these problems on to their puppies. Mandatory spay/neuter laws would drastically improve the unwanted pet problem.