On Monday, March 26, 2001, the city council of Richmond, Virginia overwhelmingly (I think it was 8 to 1) passed an ordinance that requires residents of the city to either spay/neuter their animals or pay a $50 fine for each offense.
Breeders may purchase a special permit at the cost of $100 which allows them to have one litter per year.
I understand that Los Angeles has passed a similar law and it is expected to pass statewide.
While I understand and agree with the core issue here - to force more people to act responsibly when it comes to the pet over-population problem - I think it will cause an explosion of pet give-ups unless the city is also willing to provide access to low-cost options for those who might not otherwise be able to comply with the law. If people can't afford to get their animals neutered, but face penalties legally if they don't get them fixed, then won't they just be more apt to abandon them??
Does anyone know how things have gone in LA or is it too soon to really have an accurate picture? Are shelter drop offs up?
*sigh* This is going to backfire...I just know it.
Gaye
Breeders may purchase a special permit at the cost of $100 which allows them to have one litter per year.
I understand that Los Angeles has passed a similar law and it is expected to pass statewide.
While I understand and agree with the core issue here - to force more people to act responsibly when it comes to the pet over-population problem - I think it will cause an explosion of pet give-ups unless the city is also willing to provide access to low-cost options for those who might not otherwise be able to comply with the law. If people can't afford to get their animals neutered, but face penalties legally if they don't get them fixed, then won't they just be more apt to abandon them??
Does anyone know how things have gone in LA or is it too soon to really have an accurate picture? Are shelter drop offs up?
*sigh* This is going to backfire...I just know it.
Gaye