California measure requires fixing pets

LOS ANGELES – The fur is flying in California over a proposed first-in-the-nation law that would impose fines on most dog and cat owners who fail to get their pets “fixed.”

The bill, which narrowly passed the state Assembly last week and is now before the Senate, would impose a $500 fine per animal on pet owners who fail to spay or neuter their pets.

Several celebrities made phone calls to lawmakers in support of the measure, including former “The Price is Right” game show host and animal lover Bob Barker.

The law requires puppies and kittens to be surgically altered by 4 months of age for their owners to be in compliance.

The proposed law has some exceptions – such as for purebreds used for show and breeding, and rescue, guide and law enforcement dogs. Owners would have to get a permit to avoid the law.

The law would make California the first state with a universal spay/neuter law. Backers, who include the state Veterinary Medicine Association and many local humane societies, say it would cut down on the huge number of unwanted pets that are put to death every year.

Opponents, who include the American Kennel Club and breeders, say the law would penalize responsible dog owners. They say they would have to buy permits, pay fees or pay for surgery while irresponsible pet owners evade the law or dump pets in shelters rather than comply.

The bill passed on a 41-38 vote in the Assembly but has an uncertain fate in the state Senate.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a dog owner, has not said whether he would sign the bill.