City supports state bill on spaying, neutering

The City Council unanimously voted to support Assembly Bill 1634 by state Sen. Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys) that would require residents to spay or neuter their dogs and cats by the time their pets are 4 months old -- unless they obtain a breeder’s permit.

“Plain and simple, having thousands of animals stranded on our streets is animal cruelty and poses a risk to our public health,” said Councilman Tony Cardenas, who is pushing for the bill and whose previous legislation created the city’s animal cruelty task force.

Several council members expressed concerns about whether the city’s animal services agency could enforce such a law and communicate to low-income residents that free spay and neuter services are available.