Department of Public Works Mandatory Spay/Neuter Ordinance – Pit Bull & Pit Bull Cross Breed Dogs November 25, 2013

Department of Public Works Background July 8 – directed City Attorney to draft mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for dogs/cats  Reduce population of unwanted/stray animals October 7 – considered introduction of ordinance  Postponed action for 6 months or until PHS completes initial round of dog license canvassing  Suggested Legislative Policy Committee consider advocating for state legislation to allow dog breed specific regulations 2

Department of Public Works Background October 23 – Legislative Policy Committee  State law pertaining to dog breed specific legislation  Possible legislative attempts at state level to change pre-emption on dog breed ban ordinances in place since 2005  Available options to address specific dog breeds  Ordinances requiring owners of identified breeds to spay/neuter or purchase permit allowing dog to maintain reproductive capabilities 3

Department of Public Works Available Options Ordinances mandating spay/neuter of identified breeds – consistent with SB 861 enacted 2005  Codified as CA Health & Safety Code Sections &  Section (a) states “Uncontrolled & irresponsible breeding of animals contributes to pet overpopulation, inhumane treatment of animals, mass euthanasia at local shelters…this irresponsible breeding also contributes to production of defective animals that present public safety risk.” 4

Department of Public Works Riverside County Ordinance Mandatory spay neutering of pit bull breed dogs  No person shall own/posses pit bull over age of 4 months that has not be spayed/neutered Exceptions include pit bulls  Licensed & owned by registered breeders  Used by public law enforcement agencies  Assistance dogs  Veterinarian certified as having health reason for not being spayed/neutered 5

Department of Public Works Riverside County Ordinance Ordinance & findings based on animal intake/outcomes in shelter system  Pit bulls comprise disproportionately high number of unwanted dogs in Riverside County  20% of shelter dogs  30% of dog euthanized  Historically low redemption & adoption rates Consistent with SB 861 – advocates animal welfare 6

Department of Public Works Pasadena Statistics PHS data for contract cities Pasadena animals comprise over 40% of population 7 Pasadena Humane SocietyRiverside County Intake15% Pit Bull 17% Chihuahua 68% All Other Dogs 20% Pit Bull Euthanasia27% Pit Bull 10% Chihuahua 63% All Other Dogs 30% Pit Bull Adoption10% Pit Bull 19% Chihuahua 71% All Other Dogs Historically low adoption rates

Department of Public Works Recommendations 1.Direct City Attorney to draft ordinance & return within 60 days mandating spay/neuter of pit bull & pit bull cross breed dogs excluding those meeting exclusion criteria 2.Authorize Mayor to send letters to State Legislators advocating for repeal of preemption on dog breed ban ordinances that has been in place since