Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to support AB 1634, known as the California Healthy Pets Act. The act would require all cats and dogs more than six months old to be spayed or neutered.
There are some exceptions, including breeding dogs and cats and animals that are used for herding or guarding livestock on agricultural property and law enforcement.
The bill, which is sponsored by Lloyd Levine, D-Van Nuys, seeks to alleviate California's overpopulation of cats and dogs.
If an individual is cited for a violation, they would have 30 days to have a spay/neuter completed. Absent that action, they would face a $500 fine for each animal. The bill does not obligate veterinarians to enforce its provisions or provide information to local officials about an animal's spay or neuter status.
"In doing so, Santa Clara County joined scores of other cities, organizations and elected officials who are publicly endorsing AB 1634, the common-sense solution to our pet overpopulation crisis," Judie Mancuso, campaign director said in a statement. "A large group of AB 1634 supporters and shelter workers traveled to Santa Clara to testify in favor of the bill, and the packed room erupted in cheers when the vote was taken."
Marilyn Dubil Marilyn Dubil covered education and law enforcement for The Times.
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