Owners Who Don’t Neuter Pets Could Face Fee Hike
Seeking to sharply reduce the number of animals put to death each year in city shelters, the Board of Animal Commissioners on Tuesday approved a proposal by a city task force that would include an annual $500 licensing fee for owners who fail to spay or neuter their dogs.
Under the ordinance proposed by the Pet Population Task Force, owners who neuter their dogs would pay an annual $10 fee while those who do not would be charged $500.
A $35 license would be an option for those who do not neuter their dogs but who meet criteria establishing them as “responsible owners.” Ongoing involvement with an animal organization such as dog shows or obedience training would serve as proof of responsible ownership.
Current licensing fees are $10 for canines that are neutered and $40 for dogs that are not neutered.
Board Commissioner Gini Barrett, director of the American Humane Assn.’s Western Region, said Los Angeles taxpayers spend more than $4 million to euthanize an estimated 55,000 cats and dogs every year.
The task force was convened by the board in July 1996 to study ways to reduce the number of unwanted pets in the city.
The board voted Tuesday to accept the task force’s recommendations and instructed the Department of Animal Services to prepare a final ordinance by December.
If the board approves the ordinance, as expected, it would go to the City Council.
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