California Bill Would Force Spaying and Neutering of Pets

Oropeza: Neutering bill no-go
Politics: State senator says objective is noble but bill is 'too severe a solution.' By Don Jergler, Staff writer
Article Launched: 06/20/2007 10:04:53 PM PDT

LONG BEACH - State Sen. Jenny Oropeza broke ranks with many Democrats on Wednesday, and voiced her opposition to a bill that would require dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered.

Oropeza's public opposition comes as the bill awaits hearing in the Senate.

"I oppose (Assembly Bill) 1634," the Long Beach Democrat said in a written statement. "It is too severe a solution to a noble objective. Further, I am concerned about the economic consequences for the city of Long Beach's convention business. It will hurt public safety and other vital city services."

The fallout from a last-minute switch by a pair of local Assembly members earlier this month to support legislation to require cats and dogs to be spayed or neutered by four months of age had apparently placed Long Beach's upcoming AKC/Eukanuba National Championship show in danger of cancellation.

Following an Assembly vote in which Assembly members Betty Karnette and Laura Richardson supported the bill after promising local lobbyists and tourism officials to abstain, dog show participants began to lash out at the city and the pair of Democratic legislators.

The votes by Richardson and Karnette helped Assemblyman Lloyd Levine's AB 1634, called the California Healthy Pets Act, pass 41-38.

Both assemblywomen said they voted for the bill in exchange for the author's promise he would make it more friendly to breeders when it returns for a vote in the Assembly.

Still, their vote had dog breeders howling mad.