[Monday, November 02, 2009]
The New Orleans City Council is scheduled to consider and vote on Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell’s mandatory spay/neuter proposal at its regular meeting on Thursday, November 5th. The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly opposes this ordinance. It is imperative that all concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in the New Orleans area again contact the members of the New Orleans City Council and politely yet strongly urge them to oppose this costly, ineffective, and unenforceable proposal. The AKC also encourages all interested parties to attend Thursday’s hearing to show a united front of opposition to the proposal.
If enacted, the ordinance will:
• Require all dogs six months of age or older (with few exceptions) to be spayed or neutered or force owners to purchase costly $50 breeder permits to keep any dog intact.
• Limit female dogs from whelping more than one litter per year, or whelping a litter if the female is younger than 18-months of age.
• Permit the Louisiana SPCA (LA/SPCA), which will be responsible for enforcement of this ordinance, to determine whether or not an applicant for a breeder license has "space determined to be suitable...in which to breed dogs and raise puppies."
• Impose significant fines for those who are found to be in violation of the ordinance, with the income from the fines to be used to further finance the LA/SPCA’s animal control efforts.
AKC’S OFFICIAL POSITION: The American Kennel Club opposes mandatory spay/neuter laws. Instead, we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who take their responsibilities seriously. Additionally, we strongly support and actively promote a wide range of programs to educate the public about responsible breeding practices and the responsibilities of dog ownership.
The American Kennel Club is joined by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) in opposing mandatory spay/neuter laws.
