This was a law that the rest of the US was keeping their eyes on. It is being called "California Healthy Pets Act" But I do not see what is so healthy about spay or neutering dogs and cats at such a young age. I agree we need to do something about our wild pet population, how will this help? I am not a supporter of this bill as it is written.
The gist of this new law: "This bill would prohibit any person from owning or possessing any cat or dog over the age of 6 months that has not been spayed of neutered... unless that person possesses an intact permit. Intact permit fee in an amount to be determined by local jurisdiction." originally it was 4 months of age, (amended June 27) or the pet owners would be fined $500. The idea is if all dogs and cats in California were spayed or neutered there would not be the over population and unnecessary euthanasia at our local pounds. The only animals that would be exempt, are show dogs & cats and licensed kennels that will be allowed to apply for the intact permit. Read more here
I agree that there is a problem with pet over population, most of these animals are feral. It is almost impossible to find anyone to come out and trap these animals. Not even the SPCA. But I don't think this is the answer. First of all I feel strongly that animals need their hormones to grow properly. When I read this bill for the first time, on the authors website, it stated they had to be spayed or neutered by 4 months old. Well, I am not sure 6 months is any better. Surgery is necessary to spay a female regardless of age, but if you wait on the male to mature, neutering is a much simpler and a less painful procedure. Second the only people who will be following this law will be the responsible pet owner. Notice I said responsible. Try to prove an animal who is running the street belongs to anyone. Especially if there is a $500 fine involved. Third Who is going to police this law and how much of the tax payers dollar will that cost? And last I think there are enough laws in California that are for our own good!
I don't think this bill is by all means dead, just glad it is pulled at this point and not passed as written.