Hello, kitty

Why the cute kitten photo? And why with politicians?

Because Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, left, signed a new law today that requires pet owners in L.A., with some exceptions, to have their cats and dogs spayed or neutered. At right is Councilman Tony Cardenas.

"By requiring that all cats and dogs be spayed or neutered, we can help to humanely decrease the number of pets abandoned and euthanized each year," the mayor said. "This ordinance, which contains clear guidelines and enforceable penalties, creates a valuable tool to take this city another step closer toward eliminating the unnecessary euthanasia of animals."

The new law takes effect in April.

--Veronique de Turenne

Photo: Al Seib / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[eric Ruffo Jr.]

First of all I own a pitbull that is spayed and micro-chipped and licensed,but I believe that I should have the right to decide all that for MY pet.
And who's going to foot the bill to implement this costly law? Who else US tax payers.This will be an impossible law to enforce,requiring more animal control officers and vehicles.The amount of people that license their pets will decline.Why not offer free spay and neutering for the first year,which will bring in more pet owners up-dating shots and licensing.This law will put a large number of pet owners in hiding.As it is I have not seen any animal control officers going door to door for licensing in my city for about 3 years.
I believe this law is well intended but will backfire trying to enforce it.
Why not put Our money into taking care of the homeless families living in Los Angeles before the pet over population problem.And let put more peace officers on our los angeles streets before more animal control officers.

[Azreal Darkskies]

A) I think every one should be able to own a pet.
B) I think that not everyone who is able to own a pet will be able to afford to neuter or spade them. It's an expensive operation, one that people who experience living day to day in poverty won't be able to afford.
C) Therefore, I think this bill will likely turn into another way to attack the poor.

Boo.

[Linda C]

Make spay/neuter inexpensive. $millions and $millions are spent confining, killiing and getting rid of the bodies of companion animals. Each one came from an unfixed male and female. None came from outer space on UFO's. If you care about pets, offer to help a neighbor, coworker, relative to fix their pets. There are many problems in the world, This one is solvable! Even if you don't care about the pets or the people who care about pets, care about the financial waste of the continuous killing and body disposal.