UPDATE: Los Angeles Mandatory Spay/Neuter Ordinance

[Cash]

A successful day for us! We've turned this legislation away from a breed specific ordinance and to the animal control issue that it always was. It's not over yet, but it's headed in the right direction.

It was a loooooooong day today. The meeting started at 1pm, we didn't leave until 7pm. We sat through a slew of other agendas before they got to us. I was thrilled with the turnout - there were about 40 of us there, including Joss, a service dog. Cash's breeder flew in one of his half brothers and his owner from Northern California - so amongst our peers sat a Rottweiler who kept us all very good company, and of course was a fabulous ambassador.

By the time they got to us the Supervisors said that they would hear every one who wanted to speak but that our time was limited to 1 minute. We asked permission to "pool" our individual minutes and designate a few people to talk for us - this plan worked great as we were able to articulate our points with continuity.
In the end we had a very successful day. We have changed this legislation from what was originally a dangerous dog ordinance and mandatory spay/neuter for Rottweilers and Pit Bulls to what -- after today -- looks like it will be an ALL BREED MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTUER!!!!! I cannot give the credit to one person, but a few individuals for certain deserve the credit for being absolutely pivotal in making that happen. They have worked tirelessly with Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control Director Marcia Mayeda. She, with the help these individuals brought to light to the Supervisors that this isn't a Dangerous Breed Legislation issue, this is an overpopulation issue. The solution that is now being proposed will be an ALL BREED Mandatory spay/neuter, with the exemption being for fanciers who are competing and showing, breeders with licenses, owners who prove appropriate temperament tests on their dogs (starting with CGC), etc. The wording of the exemption clause will be massaged during the next two months, but rest assured we've managed to sway this in the direction it needed to go: Animal control, not breed specific law.

The next meeting is April 25th - between now and then we'll remain active with Ms. Mayeda on the language of this bill. You can bet that that Board Of Supervisors meeting hall with be PACKED with this new ordinance being opened up all breeds, but that is ok.

Today, a victory for us

[BrandiJ]

That's wonderful! Congrats on a job VERY well done, and thank you to all of you who are working so hard for all of us!

[StephanieandToby]

That's wonderful, Catherine!! Congratulations to all of you who worked so hard to turn this around. Hopefully, you will be trend-setters!

[LavenderRott]

You Go Girl!! What a great way to spend a day!

[szky]

Thanks again for everyone involved and their tireless efforts to sway lawmakers into doing right.

Thank you all soooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!

[moondog]

My thanks to all who have worked so hard to "right the boat", and most of all, Chili's thanks....and Luna's too! The sense of impending dread I was feeling has now taken a brighter turn. Maybe there is some sensbility in government, after all.

[Gunsey'sMom]

Thats Good news, Just what is needed, Now if other people will catch on!

[observer]

Very good job! Things CAN happen if you are prepared and work together!

[Cash]

Originally Posted by moondog

The sense of impending dread I was feeling has now taken a brighter turn. Maybe there is some sensbility in government, after all.

There seems to be some Patti. Although 'Mayor' Antonovich and his office continue to use the language that this is a dangerous dog issue.
His deputy was quoted last night as saying "The original intent behind the motion is to preserve public safety and prevent the number of dog bites."

We've still got a ways to go between now and April 25th, lets hope we keep this on track.

[fbkeays]

I am glad that this is no longer BSL. Perhaps someone could point out that this option was always open to them under the old state law?
I do want to make sure that there are not obscene "fees" to keep a show dog intact. Also, could there be some provisions for retired show dogs to stay intact?

[Tank's Grandma]

Many thanks to you, and all those who gave up their time to help this happen.

[Jhum2001]

Great job! Its good to see some progressive action rooting, especially here in CA where many people have bad connotations towards big breeds. Hopefully people in other areas can follow this example.

[gnwhite]

awesome what a GREAT JOB!! many, many THANKS for the people who gave their time to this important issue. now hopefully other people will catch on and practice it.

[yogi53]

My hat is off to Catherine - someone who puts there money where there mouth is - we should all take something away from this as this issue is really affecting all states not just CA - get out to the meetings and get involved to preserve our rights to own and enjoy our wonderful breed - way to go!

[Ayoka]

Well, it made the news...Good job!

Broad Plan to Neuter Canines Weighed
Originally intended to crack down on pit bulls and Rottweilers, the proposed law would affect nearly all dogs in unincorporated areas.
By Cynthia H. Cho, Times Staff Writer
March 6, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedi...ck=1&cset=true