Ordinance would require neutering of dogs, cats

In a move intended to stop pet overpopulation, the City Council on Friday asked the city’s animal services agency to draw up an ordinance that would require that all dogs and cats that are at least 4 months old be spayed or neutered.

There would be an exception for owners with breeding permits. The ordinance mimics a bill under consideration in the state Legislature. The council’s intent is to have its own law ready for consideration should the state bill fail to pass.