Altering our approach to pets

Re “Law to require altered pets,” Feb. 2

The Los Angeles City Council’s law requiring that most dogs and cats that are at least 4 months old be spayed or neutered is an attempt to prevent more unwanted dogs and cats from being born. It is a nice idea but will fall short of meeting its intended goal unless more free- and low-cost spay/neuter services are widely available.

In the 1970s, Los Angeles provided city-funded spay/neuter services for pet owners with low incomes. It resulted in a significant decrease in the number of unwanted animals ending up in the city’s shelters and being killed, which ended up saving taxpayer money.

If the city really wants to help dogs and cats -- and reduce the costs that result from impounding and killing unwanted pets -- it needs to make free- and low-cost spay/neuter services available to all those who need those services for their animals.

Shelby Swanson

Seattle

Hurray for the City Council! Thank you, Councilman Richard Alarcon, for proposing this necessary ordinance. It is about time that the city of Los Angeles stop killing beautiful, unwanted animals. If you think 4 months is too early, get a note from your veterinarian.

Marlene A. Goodman

Sherman Oaks

Although I agree with the need to control the animal population, I find this measure to be extreme. If all cats and dogs are spayed or neutered by the age of 4 months, where are the kittens and puppies of the future supposed to come from? Will out-of-area breeders be our only source? There are enough problems with puppy mills already. Let us try to reach a reasonable solution, not one so draconian.

Peter Auerbach

Los Angeles

The City Council’s historic decision should be applauded by everyone who cares about the welfare of cats and dogs.

Now let’s take our compassion to the next level. As long as there are animals in shelters waiting to die, please consider adopting one instead of buying from a breeder or pet store.

Ari Solomon

Los Angeles