Sterilization law, breed bans gain momentum

Lancaster, Calif.

-- Several dog breeds will have to go under the knife in the next few weeks when a municipal law requiring sterilization by breed takes effect.

Lancaster officials approved an ordinance in January, effective the end of February, requiring all Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and mixes of those breeds or dogs that display their characteristics to be sterilized by 4 months of age. Owners will be responsible for making sure the dogs are properly restrained, licensed, microchipped and trained, according to the city. Violations will cost about $500 for each offense.

Several other California cities have passed or tried to pass spay/neuter or breed-specific sterilization laws, like Los Angeles. Chicago and other cities are starting to follow suit, with many taking a breed-specific stance.

A law was proposed in Washington, D.C., that would prohibit the possession, selling and trading of Pit Bulls, and Montana and Ohio also are considering prohibiting Pit Bill ownership.

Florida introduced a bill to eliminate the prohibition of local breed-specific laws and is looking at statewide sterilization of basically all pets.

The bill was introduced Jan. 20 in the Florida House of Representatives and would require all cats and dogs, with exceptions for show, breeding, service or racing dogs, to be sterilized by 4 months of age or within 30 days of ownership. No hearings have been scheduled.