Department of Public Works

Mandatory Spay/Neuter Ordinance – Pit Bull & Pit Bull Cross Breed

Dogs

November 25, 2013

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Background

• July 8 – directed City Attorney to draft mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for dogs/cats>Reduce population of unwanted/stray animals

• October 7 – considered introduction of ordinance >Postponed action for 6 months or until PHS

completes initial round of dog license canvassing

>Suggested Legislative Policy Committee consider advocating for state legislation to allow dog breed specific regulations

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Background

• October 23 – Legislative Policy Committee >State law pertaining to dog breed specific

legislation >Possible legislative attempts at state level to

change pre-emption on dog breed ban ordinances in place since 2005

>Available options to address specific dog breeds Ordinances requiring owners of identified

breeds to spay/neuter or purchase permit allowing dog to maintain reproductive capabilities

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Available Options

• Ordinances mandating spay/neuter of identified breeds – consistent with SB 861 enacted 2005 >Codified as CA Health & Safety Code Sections

122330 & 122331>Section 122330(a) states “Uncontrolled &

irresponsible breeding of animals contributes to pet overpopulation, inhumane treatment of animals, mass euthanasia at local shelters…this irresponsible breeding also contributes to production of defective animals that present public safety risk.”

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Riverside County Ordinance

• Mandatory spay neutering of pit bull breed dogs>No person shall own/posses pit bull over age of

4 months that has not be spayed/neutered• Exceptions include pit bulls

>Licensed & owned by registered breeders>Used by public law enforcement agencies>Assistance dogs>Veterinarian certified as having health reason

for not being spayed/neutered

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Riverside County Ordinance

• Ordinance & findings based on animal intake/outcomes in shelter system>Pit bulls comprise disproportionately high

number of unwanted dogs in Riverside County 20% of shelter dogs 30% of dog euthanized Historically low redemption & adoption rates

• Consistent with SB 861 – advocates animal welfare

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Pasadena Statistics

• PHS data for contract cities• Pasadena animals comprise over 40% of population

Pasadena Humane Society

Riverside County

Intake 15% Pit Bull 17% Chihuahua 68% All Other Dogs

20% Pit Bull

Euthanasia 27% Pit Bull10% Chihuahua63% All Other Dogs

30% Pit Bull

Adoption 10% Pit Bull19% Chihuahua71% All Other Dogs

Historically low adoption rates

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Recommendations

1. Direct City Attorney to draft ordinance & return within 60 days mandating spay/neuter of pit bull & pit bull cross breed dogs excluding those meeting exclusion criteria

2. Authorize Mayor to send letters to State Legislators advocating for repeal of preemption on dog breed ban ordinances that has been in place since 2005