|
 |
|
©The HSUS |
A new law went into effect Oct. 1 in Los Angeles, Calif., that will help thousands of companion animals.
The new City of L.A Spay & Neuter law was passed by a vote of 14 to 1 in February to promote the spaying and neutering of most pets in the city. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) praised the policy as a common-sense measure to curb the tragic overpopulation of unwanted dogs and cats.
Spay Day L.A.
Oct. 24-26 |
|
Free SpayNeuter Services
Public and private organizations will provide free spay and neuter services throughout Los Angeles Oct. 24-26, 2008. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit www.spaydayla.com. |
According to L.A. Animal Services, the law requires all dogs and cats within the City of Los Angeles to be spayed or neutered unless the owner has obtained a breeding permit or unless the dog or cat is exempt.
The HSUS recently began filming celebrity public service announcements for Los Angeles, encouraging residents to spay and neuter their pets.
Pet Overpopulation
The costs of uncontrolled pet breeding are overwhelming to cities and counties nationwide. Communities spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to control and eliminate unwanted pets and stray animals. Significant resources are spent collecting, feeding and caring for stray animals; reuniting lost animals with their owners or adopting them out; or euthanizing animals who aren't adopted.
Not only does the tragedy of too many animals drain the coffers of local government and shelters, but the emotional toll on employees is also substantial.
It has been estimated that in California alone, local governments spend more than $250 million every year to collect, control and euthanize the state's unwanted overpopulation of cats and dogs.
While the welfare of animals is a priority concern for many people, there are non-animal benefits to controlling unplanned pet breeding as well. In addition to the savings to taxpayers, there is a public safety advantage to measures such as the law that's in effect now. Studies have shown that intact animals are two times more likely to bite than those who have been spayed or neutered, and 95 percent of all fatal dog maulings are committed by unsterilized dogs.
If you live in Los Angeles, use our resources page to learn where you can have your companion animal spayed or neutered.
For more information on the problem of pet overpopulation and how you can help The HSUS address this issue, please visit www.humanesociety.org.
