PETS

The Fix Is In

L.A. prepares for a neutering spree.

Newsweek Web Exclusive

Apr 15, 2008 | Updated: 4:15 p.m. ET Apr 15, 2008

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Posted By: amcpike @ 05/01/2008 6:53:10 PM

Comment: I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who has adopted laws similar to those in L.A., but go even further. Here, all dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered and you can purchase an intact permit for $150 per pet, per year. All pets must be microchipped, and have current vaccinations. They must also have a city license. The $6 fee for the city license goes into a fund to help low income residents to spay and neuter their pets, but where do you think the intact permit fees go? Directly into the City's slush fund. There are even laws regarding the shade and shelter for your pets and amounts of food and water that must be present, etc.
These laws are a blatant disregard for the rights of pet owners. These laws do not punish the law breakers. Those that don't care about their animals will continue to let them run loose and will not bother with the new laws. When they get caught for violating, then they just surrender the animal and get another one down the road. These laws punish those of us that care deeply for our animals. I for one show my animals and so I am punished with high fees to keep them intact. I can guarantee that mine don't get out. Shouldn't I have to pay a fine when they do, rather than be charged up front for something that they have not done. My dogs will not be bred irresponsibly. They may not be bred at all if we do not feel their traits are worth passing on to better the breed. As far as the AKC being in it for the money. They are a non-profit organization. How could they be in it for the money?
There are legitimate studies that show the health risks of spaying and neutering animals. The animal activists have their hearts in the right place, but I think fines should only be levied if someone is proven to be in violation. Low cost procedures should be offered, but the process should be voluntary, not required. We cannot possibly save all of the unwanted animals. Making these laws will not make the problem disappear, but rather make good law abiding citizens into outlaws if they don't want to comply because they show or breed dogs.
Posted By: BadGas @ 04/24/2008 4:47:33 PM

Comment: Maybe people that do not want to spay and neuter their pets could work in the animal shelter for a week euthanizing unwanted animals...
Posted By: BadGas @ 04/24/2008 4:46:26 PM

Comment: Maybe folks that dont want to spay or neuter their animals could work in the animal shelter euthanizing animals for a week...
Posted By: BadGas @ 04/24/2008 4:46:18 PM

Comment: Maybe folks that dont want to spay or neuter their animals could work in the animal shelter euthanizing animals for a week...
Posted By: sassykat @ 04/18/2008 7:32:51 PM

Comment: I have a question for all of you people who are defending this insane law what makes you think that this will stop the "dumping" of dogs and cats in the shelters and on the city or just turning them loose when they are finished with them? Until people learn that animals are not throw away toys this will still continue then when the person who "dumped" the dog or cat decides it is time for a new one they will just go to a pet store, a puppy mill, or a back yard breeder and get another dog. These people do not go to reputable breeders because if they did they would not be dumping the dogs the breeder would take them back. Until people change their ways all of these laws don't mean squat.
- Posted By: mike1964 @ 04/19/2008 08:36:53
  
  Comment: There will always be instances of irresponsible people dumping animals when they become inconvenient. I do not think this law was designed to eliminate dumping, but rather to help reduce the overpopulation and subsequently the number of animals that must be euthanized. I will not state whether I agree or disagree with the law, but it will not change an irresponsible person into a responsible one. Even the toughest laws designed to stop murders, etc. will never succeed 100%. But if it helps even a little, you must admit that it was a good thing. Let's see if it helps in its desired intent.
Posted By: sassykat @ 04/18/2008 7:26:30 PM

Comment: I have a question for all of you people who are defending this insane law what makes you think that this will stop the "dumping" of dogs and cats in the shelters and on the city or just turning them loose when they are finished with them? Until people learn that animals are not throw away toys this will still continue then when the person who "dumped" the dog or cat decides it is time for a new one they will just go to a pet store, a puppy mill, or a back yard breeder and get another dog. These people do not go to reputable breeders because if they did they would not be dumping the dogs the breeder would take them back. Until people change their ways all of these laws don't mean squat.
Posted By: sassykat @ 04/18/2008 7:26:20 PM

Comment: I have a question for all of you people who are defending this insane law what makes you think that this will stop the "dumping" of dogs and cats in the shelters and on the city or just turning them loose when they are finished with them? Until people learn that animals are not throw away toys this will still continue then when the person who "dumped" the dog or cat decides it is time for a new one they will just go to a pet store, a puppy mill, or a back yard breeder and get another dog. These people do not go to reputable breeders because if they did they would not be dumping the dogs the breeder would take them back. Until people change their ways all of these laws don't mean squat.
Posted By: sassykat @ 04/18/2008 7:26:12 PM

Comment: I have a question for all of you people who are defending this insane law what makes you think that this will stop the "dumping" of dogs and cats in the shelters and on the city or just turning them loose when they are finished with them? Until people learn that animals are not throw away toys this will still continue then when the person who "dumped" the dog or cat decides it is time for a new one they will just go to a pet store, a puppy mill, or a back yard breeder and get another dog. These people do not go to reputable breeders because if they did they would not be dumping the dogs the breeder would take them back. Until people change their ways all of these laws don't mean squat.
Posted By: sassykat @ 04/18/2008 7:23:10 PM

Comment: I have one comment what makes everyone think this will stop irresponible owners from "dumping" their dogs on the city or in shelters? Does everyone think just because the dog is neutered or spayed it will change that? It won't those same people even though they have complied and gotten their dog neutered or spayed will still "dump" the dog on the shelter or the city then when they decide they want another dog they will just go get another puppy from a pet store,puppy mill, or back yard breeder. What makes everyone so sure this is a tool that will stop all the dogs and cats from being destroyed? It won't period. It won't stop until people get a grip and quit thinking that a dog or a cat is a throw away toy.
Posted By: debbie338 @ 04/18/2008 1:34:11 PM

Comment: I'm a veterinarian deeply involved in animal rescue. It makes me so angry I could spit when I hear someone like Amana Delagarza say something as stupid as "there won't be no more dogs." Anyone who does not support this law needs to go to the shelter and assist with euthanasias for a couple of days. I guarantee you'll be singing a different tune when you have to confront these poor animals yourself.
Posted By: concerneddogowners @ 04/17/2008 2:43:54 PM

Comment: Concerned Dog Owners of California was not formed to ???fight the spay and neuter laws.??? CDOC was established to promote responsible dog ownership. Supported entirely by members, the CDOC is an inclusive organization comprised of individual dog owners across the state of California. Our membership represents literally hundreds of years of expertise in canine-related fields, including trainers, behaviorists, shelter experts, breed experts, animal control officers, law enforcement officers, attorneys, physicians, public health officials, veterinarians and more.

Our mission is to provide information and education to elected officials and others so that legislation and regulation will promote the health, well-being and appropriate care of all dogs; protect the rights and responsibilities of dog owners and breeders; and support responsible dog ownership.

Your reporter has the above information along with information on the bills CDOC sponsored currently going through the California legislature that provide funding for voluntary spay and neuter.

Additionally, we object to the statement that the studies ???supposedly??? show that early spay and neuter can be more harmful than healthful. These studies come from Rutgers University, University of Minnesota, University of Florida, Iowa State University, Texas Tech University, University of California at Davis, Michigan State University, University of Pennsylvania, Utrecht University, University of Turin, Purdue University, University of Wisconsin, University of Edinburgh, and the University of Georgia.
Posted By: rennwilson @ 04/16/2008 5:16:22 PM

Comment: If this law really was to be effective, then only the rich will have pets. The City of Los Angeles is providing no additional funding for free spay/neuter clinics to encourage people to get their pets altered. And there is no incentives for dog fancier breeders to comply because the intact fees are high and there are way too many restrictions that have to be met before someone can get an intact permit. It also calls for some major neighborhood vigilante style enforcement. If the City takes the dog fancy breeder out of the equation (and we know that those people are the most easily targeted because they are the most visible), the only place people will get their pets will be from sub-standard puppy mills, unknowledgeable backyard breeders, over crowded pet stores, and the shelters. And when our own shelters don't even require pets to be altered before they are adopted, what does that say! They hand out vouchers but unless you can come up with money or transportation, the vouchers are worthless.
Posted By: NY gal @ 04/16/2008 4:07:18 PM

Comment: This law is a long time coming. I hope it catches on. It breaks my heart when I see strays, I would bring them all home if I could. In the meantime, I think it's a good idea when shelters put a refundable deposit on pets when they're brought back to be fixed. People might be more inclined to not be lazy when they're getting $100 back.
Posted By: Concerened Citizen @ 04/16/2008 2:45:47 PM

Comment: >Oh come on people! People whine and complain that the government is too intrusive and owners
>should be the only ones making decisions about their pets, until the owner decides they don't
>want their pet any more and then the government is expected to take the dog or cat, no
>questions asked,

How will this new law change that? People can still buy as many animals as they want and turn them over to the shelter when they are "done" with them. You're example is irrelevant.

It seems your view of America is that we should punish the innocent so that we "catch" a few bad owners. This law will do nothing, but harm good people. The irresponsible will still not comply. It's badly designed and abusive.
- Posted By: Anne in LA @ 04/16/2008 15:13:30
  
  Comment: If it were a "few" bad owners it would not be an issue, unfortunately the problem is widespread. 25,000 animals killed every year just in our city.
  
  No single law will solve the problem, this is a tool among many, but there is ample evidence that having more pets spayed and neutered in a community reduces the number of unwanted pets. If people can drop off unwanted pets at the shelter, the shelter should be able to stop them from making more. When young, unneutered dogs and cats are running loose on the street fathering litters year after year (I see such dogs loose almost daily), when the same people bring a litter of kittens into the shelter (that have to be euthanized because they are unweaned) every year, when people are sitting in front of the Walmart with a box of unneutered puppies from an accidental litter, FREE TO A GOOD HOME and still do not have the mama fixed, Animal Control ought to be able to make those people get their dog or cat fixed. They are dumping the products of their irresponsibility on the community. The fewer accidental litters, the fewer unwanted pets, its simple and not difficult to understand.
  
  You've probably spent your share of time in the shelters helping homeless dogs find homes so you must be familiar with the daily grind of incoming animals, many of whom will never find homes.
  
  My view of America is that too often, people just want what they want and don't care about how it impacts others, and expecting that if you educate people they will voluntarily step up and act responsibly is naive. There are a lot of things I'd like to do and know I could do safely, like drive faster than the speed limit, keep six dogs on my property, serve alcohol to minors, camp overnight in the beautiful park by my house and so on, but there are laws to protect us all from irresponsible people and I have to abide by them too.
  
  If you are a breeder you can still breed your dogs, if you show them you can keep them intact, and nobody is coming knocking on anybody's door to check your dog's nether-regions. Its not going to hurt you and it will spare some innocent animals from being born only to be abandoned and killed.
Posted By: Anne in LA @ 04/16/2008 2:08:09 PM

Comment: Oh come on people! People whine and complain that the government is too intrusive and owners should be the only ones making decisions about their pets, until the owner decides they don't want their pet any more and then the government is expected to take the dog or cat, no questions asked, house and care for it, provide vet care and find it a good home. Thats what people ask and expect of their city animal shelters and then they yell and scream if the shelters kill any of the animals or keep them in any kind of unpleasant conditions.

I don't care if you want to breed your pit bull, there are hundreds of young pit bulls, 8 months, a year, two years old in the shelter, THOUSANDS of them are killed very year and you want to make more. I don't care, until we don't have enough animals for the people who want them, and as long as we leave it to the city government workers to kill the ones that don't have homes, you don't have the right to do whatever you damn please regardless of how it impacts the animals and your community.

You can't ask the city to transition to "no kill" without giving them the most important tools.
Posted By: Anne in LA @ 04/16/2008 1:59:12 PM

Comment: This is a much-needed law and I hope it will begin to make a dent in the needless killing of unwanted, surplus pets.

People are so quick to say "It's up to the owner to make decisions about their dogs" until the owners decide they can't keep the dog any more (we're moving, the dog is too big, no time, forgot to train him, he sheds, we're having a baby blah blah blah) and suddenly its the government's job to take their pet, feed and care for it and find it a new home. People just drop off their unwanted pets and ask, "you won't kill him will you?"

I don't care if you want to breed your pit bull, there are hundreds of wonderful, friendly young pit bulls, 8 months, a year, two years old in the shelter and nobody wants them. Why make more? There is no sense to it, none. They're dying by the thousands and you want to make dogs.
Posted By: robynmaxine @ 04/16/2008 12:59:38 PM

Comment: This is SUCH a great idea. People have grown entirely too irresponsible to be left to their own devices when it comes to this sort of thing. Just like the mayor said, there are way too many animals being put down because they can't find them a home. The girl who thinks that there will be no more dogs should volunteer in a shelter and see if that changes her point of view. I think that you should have to have a licence in order to breed your animal and prove that you have the means to take care of however many puppies/kittens you might end up with. If you can't prove it, get the animal fixed and save yourself and everyone else the hassle and heartache of having homeless or euthanized animals.
- Posted By: smalltownbigcitygirl @ 04/16/2008 21:52:44
  
  Comment: I have and still do volunteer at shelters every weekend. It does break my heart. I have been there when people have brought in litters of puppies that were eventually euthanized because there were no homes. I know how heart breaking shelters are. However I disagree with the GOVERNMENT mandating that I must fix my animals or face a fine or pay a fee to keep them intact.
  - Posted By: robynmaxine @ 04/17/2008 12:12:01
    
    Comment: I definitely see what you mean and I completely appreciate and commend you for volunteering. There should be more like you. My only argument to that would be; in registering and paying the fee when you want to be able to breed your animal or keep them "intact" for any reason, you are proving that you are financially and otherwise capable of taking care of puppies or kittens in the event that there are any.
    I agree that there are many aspects of our lives that the government is entirely too involved in but sometimes they have to intervene because people are not making smart choices. It does create a situation where the people who are doing things right have to sacrifice because of the ones who aren't. Ultimately, its all for the greater good of the animals and the people.
Posted By: Concerened Citizen @ 04/16/2008 12:53:09 PM

Comment: This is a terrible law, and the vet they interviewed should have her licence revoked. If people have to fear being turned into the government by their own vets then they just won't go. Vaccinations and wormings (both of which protect public health) will drop off. She is a foolish and short sighted vet.
Posted By: auntbeadog @ 04/16/2008 12:28:56 PM

Comment: Since there are a lot of celebrity icons in Los Angeles, how about enlisting some "macho" personalities to do PSAs. Would love to see this law sweep our country.
Posted By: jpanton @ 04/16/2008 12:17:37 PM

Comment: Ditto to this post!!! Could not have said it better!

Posted By: santoshasashortwillie @ 04/15/2008 8:06:16 PM
Comment: What a wonderful law. I have two male dogs and both have been altered. Registered breeders are not impacted by this law and why Westminster would disagree puzzles me (money or not). Pet owners need to be responsible and legislation is necessary when the evidence is overwhelming that most are not. Mr. Santos like most 'small men' make up for their shortcummings through their animals. Good Job LA.
- Posted By: Concerened Citizen @ 04/16/2008 13:00:34
  
  Comment: >Posted By: jpanton @ 04/16/2008 12:17:37 PM
  >Comment: What a wonderful law. I have two male dogs and both have been altered. Registered >breeders are not impacted by this law and why Westminster would disagree puzzles me (money or not).
  
  The AKC disagrees with these laws because they are trying to protect pet owners from a police state.
  The types of dogs (non-show, non-breeder) that are being spayed now have no offical papers. They can't be registered with the AKC... so NO money is involved. The AKC isn't worried about the money. Don't let the supposed pet "rights" people confuse you with their lies.
  
  These types of laws (the one's that were only supposed to cover the "irresponsible") have a strange way of being expanded until they are forced down the throats of all citizens.
Posted By: phiomalibumalibu @ 04/16/2008 9:09:58 AM

Comment: Also, there needs to be some kind of a screening process, to keep abusive pet owners from getting pets. I have a neighbor who doesn't care for his dogs. Luckily I found some great advice at PetLoverTips.com on how to handle the situation.
Posted By: emc691 @ 04/16/2008 8:30:29 AM

Comment: Bravo Ms. Austin and Mayor Villaraigosa! You are breaking barriers that need to be broken. Hopefully other cities and states will follow your lead. It is an absolute sin to see dogs and cats (and all animals) being euthanized for no other reason but over population. Ms. Turner stated that "mandatory" laws don't work- are their such things as non-mandatory laws? "Mandatory" laws that are well regulated are the only laws that do work. I'm sure her research to prove this was paid for by the WKC. If breeders and people who show their dogs follow this law, they have absolutely nothing to worry about. The law states that they do NOT have to alter their dogs. It is a shame that there are still selfish people in this world that refuse to alter their animals for absolutely NO GOOD reason. These are the same people who view pets only as their personal property, and not God's creatures. These are the same people who chain their dogs outside with no protection from the elements, no food, no water and wonder why their pet attacked the neighbor's child. Shame on anyone who disagrees with this law- you are despicable.
Posted By: emc691 @ 04/16/2008 8:29:49 AM

Comment: Bravo Ms. Austin and Mayor Villaraigosa! You are breaking barriers that need to be broken. Hopefully other cities and states will follow your lead. It is an absolute sin to see dogs and cats (and all animals) being euthanized for no other reason but over population. Ms. Turner stated that "mandatory" laws don't work- are their such things as non-mandatory laws? "Mandatory" laws that are well regulated are the only laws that do work. I'm sure her research to prove this was paid for by the WKC. If breeders and people who show their dogs follow this law, they have absolutely nothing to worry about. The law states that they do NOT have to alter their dogs. It is a shame that there are still selfish people in this world that refuse to alter their animals for absolutely NO GOOD reason. These are the same people who view pets only as their personal property, and not God's creatures. These are the same people who chain their dogs outside with no protection from the elements, no food, no water and wonder why their pet attacked the neighbor's child. Shame on anyone who disagrees with this law- you are despicable.
Posted By: cats888 @ 04/15/2008 10:01:43 PM

Comment: People and breeders who do not understand that 15,000 unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized (killed) in the U.S. every single day - well these people obviously only care about themselves. Spay and neuter will save lives...however it is accomplished. Teri, the Mayor and LAAS are fabulous for their efforts to stop the killing of innocent animals. Pam W.
Posted By: cats888 @ 04/15/2008 10:00:32 PM

Comment: People and breeders who do not understand that 15,000 unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized (killed) in the U.S. every single day-well these people obviously only care about themselves. Spay and neuter will save lives...however it is accomplished. Teri, the Mayor and LAAS are fabulous for their efforts to stop the killing of innocent animals. Pam W.
Posted By: jjlandry6a @ 04/15/2008 9:48:36 PM

Comment: Maybe Mayor Busy Body can start spaying and neutering the gangs and the fascists, like Austin, and leave law abiding citizens alone. Who are you to tell me how to raise my animals, or my kids for that matter. Los Angeles can't control crime, traffic, smog, water quality or Brittany Spears. And they want to tell people how to raise their animals. I agree that spaying and neutering are important. Start with the Gladys Kravits and Politicians of the world, then lets go from there.
Posted By: smalltownbigcitygirl @ 04/15/2008 8:40:39 PM

Comment: Umm...no, this is not a brilliant/wonderful/whatever type of law. This is another way for the government to step into our lives. Next thing we know they'll be telling people to get sterilized! I raise pure breed dogs and before anyone attacks me...yes I have rescued my fair share of shelter dogs and dogs dropped off on my property! In fact, my oldest dog is one that was dropped off. He is by far the best dog I've had and he is now 12 years old and fully intact. Of the dogs dropped off on my property, I found them homes and yes they were neutered/spayed before I placed them (my responsibility if I'm not keeping them). The dogs I kept, if they were not neutered/spayed already, I left them whole. It takes a responsible owner to not let unwanted puppies happen. It's called watching your dog and separating your females when they cycle. Oh wait...It is called RESPONSIBILITY!!! Have we as a society forgotten how to be responsible for our own actions or lack of action? Stop letting the government wipe our noses and let us start teaching the new generations how to care for themselves!
- Posted By: auntbeadog @ 04/16/2008 12:33:13
  
  Comment: When the government and our tax dollars don't pay for the problems that irresponsible owners create, then maybe I can understand your reasoning.
Posted By: santoshasashortwillie @ 04/15/2008 8:06:16 PM

Comment: What a wonderful law. I have two male dogs and both have been altered. Registered breeders are not impacted by this law and why Westminster would disagree puzzles me (money or not). Pet owners need to be responsible and legislation is necessary when the evidence is overwhelming that most are not. Mr. Santos like most 'small men' make up for their shortcummings through their animals. Good Job LA.
Posted By: pamholt @ 04/15/2008 7:57:11 PM

Comment: FINALLY society is starting to be accountable for our irresponsibility! Animals are not throw-aways, and they should NEVER be treated like that. The opponents need to go to a shelter to live the reality of those that won't be leaving there alive, which is most of the animals you see there. The rescuers need help and they deserve it. "Responsible owners" spay and neuter, so how would they be getting penalized?
Posted By: Sane in Utah @ 04/15/2008 6:45:59 PM

Comment: This ordinance is fantastic! Kudos to LA -- now the rest of the country needs to take note. Compassion to God's creatures begins in our own backyards!
Posted By: fiber artist @ 04/15/2008 5:45:16 PM

Comment: Albuquerque enacted the same law 2 years ago - it's wonderful that people are starting to wake up to the horrible problem of millions of animals in shelters being killed because of someone's irresponsible and macho behavior. My husband even got "fixed" over 40 years ago. People need to stop having kids and stop the senseless breeding of animals they don't even want to care for.
Posted By: brooklyn24 @ 04/15/2008 4:39:24 PM

Comment: This ordinance is awesome! I can not wait until the rest of America catches on and follows suit. Every year millions of perfectly good pets are put to sleep because of careless owners who do not spay and neuter.

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The Fix Is In

Discuss

Posted By: amcpike @ 05/01/2008 6:53:10 PM

Posted By: BadGas @ 04/24/2008 4:47:33 PM

Posted By: BadGas @ 04/24/2008 4:46:26 PM

Posted By: BadGas @ 04/24/2008 4:46:18 PM

Posted By: sassykat @ 04/18/2008 7:32:51 PM

Posted By: mike1964 @ 04/19/2008 08:36:53

Posted By: sassykat @ 04/18/2008 7:26:30 PM

Posted By: sassykat @ 04/18/2008 7:26:20 PM

Posted By: sassykat @ 04/18/2008 7:26:12 PM

Posted By: sassykat @ 04/18/2008 7:23:10 PM

Posted By: debbie338 @ 04/18/2008 1:34:11 PM

Posted By: concerneddogowners @ 04/17/2008 2:43:54 PM

Posted By: rennwilson @ 04/16/2008 5:16:22 PM

Posted By: NY gal @ 04/16/2008 4:07:18 PM

Posted By: Concerened Citizen @ 04/16/2008 2:45:47 PM

Posted By: Anne in LA @ 04/16/2008 15:13:30

Posted By: Anne in LA @ 04/16/2008 2:08:09 PM

Posted By: Anne in LA @ 04/16/2008 1:59:12 PM

Posted By: robynmaxine @ 04/16/2008 12:59:38 PM

Posted By: smalltownbigcitygirl @ 04/16/2008 21:52:44

Posted By: robynmaxine @ 04/17/2008 12:12:01

Posted By: Concerened Citizen @ 04/16/2008 12:53:09 PM

Posted By: auntbeadog @ 04/16/2008 12:28:56 PM

Posted By: jpanton @ 04/16/2008 12:17:37 PM

Posted By: Concerened Citizen @ 04/16/2008 13:00:34

Posted By: phiomalibumalibu @ 04/16/2008 9:09:58 AM

Posted By: emc691 @ 04/16/2008 8:30:29 AM

Posted By: emc691 @ 04/16/2008 8:29:49 AM

Posted By: cats888 @ 04/15/2008 10:01:43 PM

Posted By: cats888 @ 04/15/2008 10:00:32 PM

Posted By: jjlandry6a @ 04/15/2008 9:48:36 PM

Posted By: smalltownbigcitygirl @ 04/15/2008 8:40:39 PM

Posted By: auntbeadog @ 04/16/2008 12:33:13

Posted By: santoshasashortwillie @ 04/15/2008 8:06:16 PM

Posted By: pamholt @ 04/15/2008 7:57:11 PM

Posted By: Sane in Utah @ 04/15/2008 6:45:59 PM

Posted By: fiber artist @ 04/15/2008 5:45:16 PM

Posted By: brooklyn24 @ 04/15/2008 4:39:24 PM

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