Los Angeles City Council Committee Approves Temporary Moratorium on Breeding Permits to Address Shelter Overpopulation

Los Angeles City Council Committee Approves Temporary Moratorium on Breeding Permits to Address Overpopulation in Shelters

In a move to combat the overpopulation of animals in the city’s shelters, a Los Angeles City Council committee has approved a temporary moratorium on breeding permits. The Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee passed the draft city law in a 2-0 vote, with Councilman John Lee absent during the decision.

The draft law outlines the details of the moratorium on breeding permits, which will be lifted once shelters are at or below 75% capacity for three consecutive months. The moratorium could be automatically reinstated if shelter capacity rises above 75%. The City Attorney’s Office submitted the draft law for consideration in mid-March, and it will need approval from the full City Council before it can be enacted.

Staycee Dains, head of the city’s Department of Animal Services, emphasized the importance of the moratorium, stating that it signals to the community that the shelters are unable to take in any more animals. The city has seen a steady increase in the number of dogs, cats, and rabbits in its six shelters in recent years, prompting the need for more robust spay-and-neuter efforts.

In addition to the moratorium on breeding permits, the committee also passed a motion to establish a monetary stipend to promote the fostering of shelter animals. Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez introduced the motion, which will now be considered by the full City Council.

The city’s efforts to address the overpopulation issue also extend to supporting Assembly Bill 2133, which would allow registered veterinary technicians to perform cat neutering surgeries under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. These measures aim to alleviate the strain on the city’s animal shelters and promote responsible pet ownership.