A proposed mandatory spay-neuter bill is making its way through the California legislative system. (Stock photo) |
After undergoing several revisions, a California bill requiring most cats and dogs to be spayed or neutered has cleared its first hurdle.
On April 24, the California Assembly’s Business and Professions Committee approved the legislation along party lines, 7-2, with the Democrats in favor and Republicans against.
The spay-neuter bill, AB 1634, sponsored by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys), would require most cats and dogs in the state to be sterilized before they’re five months old. Owners found in violation would be subject to a $500 fine.
Before the vote, the Business and Professions Committee added provisions to the bill giving exemptions to show pets, police and guide dogs and unaltered pets owned by out-of-state visitors.
The revised bill now contains 20 exceptions to the law, including cats and dogs that veterinarians say should not undergo the surgery because of age, illness or poor health.
The Assembly Appropriations Committee will review the spay-neuter bill next.