After undergoing several revisions, a California bill requiring most dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered has cleared its first hurdle.
On April 24, the California Assembly’s Business and Professions Committee approved the legislation along party lines, 7-2, with the Democrats in favor and Republicans against.
AB 1634, sponsored by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, D-Van Nuys, would require most dogs and cats in the state to be sterilized before they’re five months old. Owners found in violation would have to pay a $500 fine.
Before the vote, the Business and Professions Committee added provisions to the bill giving exemptions to show dogs and police and guide dogs, as well as unaltered pets owned by out-of-state visitors.
The revised bill now contains 20 exceptions to the law, including pets whose veterinarians say they should not undergo the surgery due to age, illness, or poor health.
The bill now goes on to be considered by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.