Mandatory Spay/Neuter Ordinance – Pit Bull & Pit Bull Cross Breed Dogs January 27, 2014

Chronology July 8, 2013 – City Council October 7, 2013 – City Council City Attorney to prepare mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for dogs/cats Reduce population of unwanted/stray animals October 7, 2013 – City Council Considered introduction of ordinance Withdrew item to allow PHS to complete canvassing & directed staff to return with ordinance in 6-9 months Legislative Policy Committee consider advocating for state legislation to allow dog breed specific regulations

Chronology October 23, 2013 – Legislative Policy Committee State law pertaining to dog breed specific legislation Available options to address specific dog breeds Ordinances requiring owners of identified breeds to spay/neuter to reduce population of unwanted animals November 25, 2013 – City Council City Attorney to prepare mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for pit bull & pit bull cross breed dogs Interim Ordinance until PHS completes animal canvassing in Pasadena in June 2014 at which time City intends to bring back mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for all breeds

Animal Protection Ordinance consistent with SB 861 Section 122330(a) - “Uncontrolled & irresponsible breeding of animals contributes to pet overpopulation, inhumane treatment of animals, mass euthanasia at shelters…this irresponsible breeding also contributes to production of defective animals that present public safety risk.” Section 122331 – cities may “enact dog breed-specific ordinances pertaining only to mandatory spay or neuter programs & breeding requirements, provided that no specific dog breed…shall be declared potentially dangerous or vicious…” SB 861 enacted in 2005 & codified as CA Health & Safety Code Sections 122330 & 122331

Pasadena Statistics Category PHS Intake 15% Pit Bull 17% Chihuahua 68% All Other Dogs Euthanasia 27% Pit Bull 10% Chihuahua 63% All Other Dogs Adoption 10% Pit Bull 19% Chihuahua 71% All Other Dogs Pit bulls comprise disproportionately high number of unwanted dogs in Pasadena

Proposed Ordinance Mandatory spay/neuter of pit bull dogs Exemptions No person shall own/possess pit bull over age of 4 months that has not been spayed/neutered Exemptions Veterinarian certified as having health reason for not being spayed/neutered – age & infirmity Used by public law enforcement agency Assistance dog Licensed & owned by registered breeders

Proposed Ordinance Questions & Answers

Secondary Enforcement Require spay/neuter only under circumstances when violation of basic tenants of pet ownership occur Dog stray-at-large Unvaccinated against rabies Unlicensed Animals left unattended in vehicles Leash law violations