Spaying and Neutering Pets May Become Mandatory

A state lawmaker wants to reduce the number of unwanted animals in local shelters by requiring California pet owners to spay or neuter their dogs and cats. Assem. Lloyd Levine, D-Van Nuys, is carrying legislation that would require dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered by four months of age, otherwise their owners could face potentially steep fines. "It's a huge problem," Levine said. "My legislation will help by turning off the spigot so to speak. It will help reduce the number of animals going in (shelters) by reducing the number of animals that are breeding," he said." Called the "California Healthy Pets Act," AB 1634 would provide some exemptions. Animals considered too old or unhealthy could avoid the procedure. Also pets with a registered pedigree, service dogs and dogs used by law enforcement could be excluded from the law if their owner obtained an "intact permit." Owners would have to pay a fee for the permit, but the amount of the fee is not specified in the bill.

Exotic birds available at adoption event

LARGO - Having an exotic bird for a pet isn't as easy as it sounds. Many new pet owners find their housemate's behavior uncontrollable and decide to give the bird away.
The epidemic of abused, neglected and unwanted companion birds stems from a general lack of knowledge of the commitment and care required for these complex, highly social, and intelligent creatures, said Denise Hosner, co-founder of the Safe Haven Avian Placement Services.
The haven fosters birds and provides rescue, education and permanent placement services for homeless companion birds.
Dozens of the haven's exotic birds - from parakeets to cockatoos and everything in between - will be available for adoption today during an event at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.