On February 12, 2008, the City Council of Los Angeles gave final approval to a new law that
requires all cats and dogs in the City to be spayed or neutered after the age of four months, with
some specific exemptions allowed. The Mayor signed this ordinance on February 26, 2008, making
Los Angeles the national leader in efforts to humanely decrease the number of pets abandoned and euthanized each year.

WHY SPAY/NEUTER IS GOOD FOR OUR CITY

Spaying and Neutering are humane and life affirming means of ending euthanasia of healthy,
adoptable pets. The new law will move Los Angeles towards being the most humane city in
America by educating pet owners to be more responsible, making our streets safer, reducing the
number of animals killed each year in our animal care centers, and allowing us to more effectively
use our resources. The spay/neuter law will be a tool for Animal Services to hold accountable
those pet owners whose irresponsibility threatens public safety and fills our animal care centers
with unwanted dogs and cats.

WHY SPAY/NEUTER IS GOOD FOR OUR PETS

.. Spaying and neutering are safe, simple surgeries that prevent animals from reproducing.
Females are spayed; males are neutered.
.. One unneutered male can impregnate dozens of females. Therefore, it is just as important
to neuter males as it is to spay females. Accidents happen when you least expect them.
.. Spaying and neutering reduces or eliminates the risk of certain types of cancer that can kill
your pet or be expensive to treat.
.. Spaying and neutering may eliminate undesirable behaviors such as fighting, spraying, and
roaming.

KEY FACTS ABOUT THE NEW SPAY/NEUTER LAW

.. Effective in April, but there is a grace period until October 1, 2008.
.. Applies to all dogs and cats over four months of age, unless exempted. (See reverse.)
.. Violations are subject to three levels of increasing fines, starting at $100, to urge
compliance.
.. After the third violation, non-compliance is a misdemeanor.
.. City Council will appoint members to an Animal Services Spay/Neuter Advisory Committee
that is established to advise the Department, the Council, and the Mayor, about the impact
of the City’s spay/neuter policies on low income residents as well as effective
implementation of the ordinance.
.. Exemptions are listed on the reverse.

Visit the Los Angeles Animal Services website at www.laanimalservices.com for more information.

EXEMPTIONS TO THE SPAY/NEUTER REQUIREMENT

A dog or cat must be spayed or neuter after four months of age unless he or she:

.. Is a breed approved by and registered with a registry or association approved by the Animal
Services Commission, and does or will actively show or compete.
.. Has earned or is in the process of earning a special title (i.e. agility, herding).
.. Is used as or in training to be a guide, signal, or service dog.
.. Is a dog trained, or in training, for use in law enforcement, military or rescue activities.
.. Has a letter from a licensed veterinarian certifying that the animal should be temporarily or
permanently deferred due to age or health.
.. Has a valid breeding permit issued to the owner pursuant to existing City ordinance.

Additionally, all intact dogs must have an intact dog license from the City.