October 2008

L.A. Makes Spay/Neuter Mandatory

Paws Up!

To the city of Los Angeles for its work to reduce pet overpopulation and euthanasia through a new mandatory spay/neuter law.

In the spring of 2008, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed the mandatory spay/neuter bill into law.  The mandate, which went into effect on October 1, 2008, requires all cats and dogs ages four months and older to be sterilized.  Exceptions to the law include cats and dogs with special medical conditions, or those used in shows and police work.  Pet owners found to have unaltered animals that do not qualify for exceptions will be fined for non-compliance. 

To help pet owners voluntarily comply with the new law, several million dollars in donations and other funds have been allocated for spay/neuter vouchers and discounts.  The reduction in surgery costs will not only ensure more animals get altered, but also will hopefully decrease fears regarding non-compliance and discourage pet abandonment and shelter relinquishment.

NHES is pleased that L.A. has passed the mandatory spay/neuter law and eagerly awaits the day when all municipalities across our nation require pet sterilization.

Sources:

www.laanimalservices.com/spayneuterlaw.htm

www.ktla.com/content_landing_page/?Pet-Sterilization-Law-Goes-into-Effect-T=1&blockID=66073&feedID=171

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2008/09/countdown-to-th.html

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FDA Endorses Animal Genetic Engineering

Paws Down!

To the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for issuing draft regulations that endorse the commercial production and sale of genetically engineered (GE) animals.

In late September, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine released its proposed guidelines for GE animal production in regard to a multitude of products, including:

• meat and other foods
• pharmaceuticals
• tissue/organ development
• animals for research

The agency’s September press release went on to state, “genetically engineered animals hold great promise for improving human medicine, agriculture, the environment, and the production of new materials.”

The FDA’s proposals not only endorse the exploitation and suffering of potentially billions of animals, but according to the American Anti-Vivisection Society, they also cause great concern for public transparency - many GE animal products may be approved without public disclosure.

Sources:

www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01887.html

www.nytimes.com/2008/10/04/opinion/04sat3.html

www.aavs.org/actionGE.html

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