There were 339 dogs put to sleep in Manteca in 2007 because no one wanted them.
The City Council may try to reduce the annual canine toll by adopting a mandatory spay and neuter law for all dog breeds.
The council in September made it mandatory for pit bulls and pit bull mixes to be spayed and neutered. At the time, Mayor Willie Weatherford said he wanted to see the mandatory rule extended to all dogs.
All dogs over six months old – except for licensed show dogs, livestock dogs, police dogs guide or assistance dogs – must be neutered and spayed under the proposed ordinance.
The city would also make it possible for breeders to obtain a permit but they would be heavily scrutinized and subject to stiff fines if they fail to comply with rules.
The first violation of the proposed law may result in the dog being impounded. In order to retrieve the dog, the animal services division would have a veterinarian spay or neuter the dog. Owners would be required to make a $100 deposit. If the charge comes to less, they would get a refund. If there are other costs due to the need for extraordinary care, the pet owner is on the hook for those.
If a dog owner commits a second violation of the rule, they could be subjected to up to six months in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000. The dog could also be impounded and destroyed by the city.
Allowing a dog to breed or give birth without a city permit will be a violation of the law. Even simply keeping dogs of the opposite sex in the same dog run or area or even simply allowing contact would be considered prima facie evidence that the owner intends to breed the dogs.
Breeding permits are available for a year at a time. Owners are required to have the dog to be bred to have appropriate health screenings. Females will not be allowed to have more than one litter a year.
The city also reserves the right to inspect areas where breeding dogs are kept.
Licenses for breeding could be revoked after a hearing is conducted for alleged violations. Decisions of the hearing officer are final. After a hearing, the city could revoke the permit and fine the dog owner an amount not to exceed $500. They could also confiscate the puppies
The city has no neutering and spaying requirement for cats. The number of cats euthanized in Manteca during 2002 was 1,002.
The City Council meets Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.
The City Council may try to reduce the annual canine toll by adopting a mandatory spay and neuter law for all dog breeds.
The council in September made it mandatory for pit bulls and pit bull mixes to be spayed and neutered. At the time, Mayor Willie Weatherford said he wanted to see the mandatory rule extended to all dogs.
All dogs over six months old – except for licensed show dogs, livestock dogs, police dogs guide or assistance dogs – must be neutered and spayed under the proposed ordinance.
The city would also make it possible for breeders to obtain a permit but they would be heavily scrutinized and subject to stiff fines if they fail to comply with rules.
The first violation of the proposed law may result in the dog being impounded. In order to retrieve the dog, the animal services division would have a veterinarian spay or neuter the dog. Owners would be required to make a $100 deposit. If the charge comes to less, they would get a refund. If there are other costs due to the need for extraordinary care, the pet owner is on the hook for those.
If a dog owner commits a second violation of the rule, they could be subjected to up to six months in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000. The dog could also be impounded and destroyed by the city.
Allowing a dog to breed or give birth without a city permit will be a violation of the law. Even simply keeping dogs of the opposite sex in the same dog run or area or even simply allowing contact would be considered prima facie evidence that the owner intends to breed the dogs.
Breeding permits are available for a year at a time. Owners are required to have the dog to be bred to have appropriate health screenings. Females will not be allowed to have more than one litter a year.
The city also reserves the right to inspect areas where breeding dogs are kept.
Licenses for breeding could be revoked after a hearing is conducted for alleged violations. Decisions of the hearing officer are final. After a hearing, the city could revoke the permit and fine the dog owner an amount not to exceed $500. They could also confiscate the puppies
The city has no neutering and spaying requirement for cats. The number of cats euthanized in Manteca during 2002 was 1,002.
The City Council meets Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.
