High stakes: New spay-neuter law in Las Vegas

High stakes: New spay-neuter law in Las Vegas

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Las
Vegas — Las Vegas residents will have to pay hefty fines if they
don't have their pets spayed or neutered. In fact, Las Vegas City Council approved an
ordinance to mandate spay and neutering of all cats and dogs by the age
of 4 months.
The decision was reached after hours of deliberation Nov. 18. Some questions arose, officials report, on
the effectiveness of mandatory sterlization programs, and whether or not
4 months
of age was too young to require spay/neuter procedures. The measure
passed 5-2 and will take effect April 1. Exceptions are included for animals
medically unfit to undergo the operation or for specially trained
service animals. Breeders
will need to apply for permits to qualify for an exemption, but
violators will face misdemeanor charges and a $225 first-time
offense fine. Fines for the second and third offenses run $500 and
$1,000, respectively. Owners who can show proof of sterilization
within 30 days of an offense can get their fines reduced by 80 percent,
according to the legislation. A portion of the fines collected through
enforcement of the new law will help provide public assistance for pet
owners who
can't afford spay/neuter surgeries. The legislation doesn't address whether or
not veterinarians will be called on to police or report pet owners with
intact
animals. Nevada
Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Executive Director Michelle Wagner
says she wasn't familiar with details of the
new law, but adds that the slow economy in Las Vegas and foreclosures
have flooded local shelters with homeless pets. A statewide mandatory spay/neuter law failed
more than once in California. Cities like New Orleans and Chicago have
considered,
but never passed, similar laws.