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Mandatory Spay/Neuter Ordinance –Dogs & Cats Over 6 Months of Age. October 6, 2014. Recommendations. Receive canvassing data reported by PHS & other supplemental information Establish fee differential such that dog license for unaltered dog is $60 more than for a spayed/neutered dog
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Mandatory Spay/Neuter Ordinance –Dogs & Cats Over 6 Months of Age October 6, 2014
Recommendations Receive canvassing data reported by PHS & other supplemental information Establish fee differential such that dog license for unaltered dog is $60 more than for a spayed/neutered dog Conduct first reading of mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for dogs & cats over 6 months of age Direct Public Works & PHS to provide update on ordinance one year from implementation
Canvassing Data • Year 1: July 1, 2013 to September 3, 2014 • 2 PHS staff members canvassed City 3x/week • Licenses issued • 35% new • 65% renewals • Year 2: underway
Proposed Ordinance • Mandatory spay/neuter of all dogs/cats over 6 months of age • Exemptions • Dogs unable to be spayed/neutered without likelihood of suffering bodily harm or death due to age/infirmity • Dogs used by law enforcement agencies • Service or assistance dogs • Registered dogs or cats used for show, competition or breeding purposes
Enforcement • Enforcement via secondary enforcement beginning July 1, 2015 • When violation of existing local or state law occurs • Allowing dog to run loose without leash • Failure to license dog over 4 months of age • PHS will check status of dogs & cats they come into contact with during course of its work • Dogs & cats entering shelter & returned to Pasadena residents would have to be sterilized or acquire exemption
Enforcement • When unlicensed dog identified & is not spayed/neutered • Owner will have opportunity to buy one-time unaltered dog license & have one year to alter dog or receive exemption from veterinarian • Grace period ends June 30, 2018 • At which time dog & cat owners need to be in compliance with ordinance
Fee Differential • Dog license fee with cost differential for unaltered dogs is industry model • $60 proposed differential in line with other jurisdictions • Exhibit 1: $55 average differential (34 jurisdictions) • Effective date: July 1, 2015 • Allow time for public outreach & residents opportunity to license dogs & spay/neuter
Public Outreach/Education • Coordinated effort led by PHS & City PIOs • Initial outreach to inform residents of • Upcoming spay/neuter requirement for dogs & cats • Low cost spay/neuter options • MSN Ordinance enforcement begins July 1, 2015 • Methods • Newsletters, media releases, websites, social media, educational outreach in schools, canvassing program • Collaboration with non-profit organizations