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Pasadena Proposal Would Require All Dogs, Cats Over 6 Months To Be Spayed Or Neutered

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — A number of animal breeders are fighting a proposal in the Pasadena City Council that would require all dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered by the time they are 6 months old.

The measure, introduced by Pasadena Councilman Steve Madison, was approved by the council Monday night. Madison says male dogs that had not been neutered were responsible for 90 percent of all fatal dog attacks in the city.

"High testosterone levels can result in very aggressive behavior," Madison said. "So if you can't ban this very dangerous breed, at least you can require that they are spayed or neutered."

Since the neutering of a specific breed is not legal in California, Madison's legislation includes all dogs.

Those opposing the measure, meanwhile, voiced their own opinions Monday.

"Instead of just saying all dogs have to be spayed or neutered, let our dogs pass a test to show nonaggression," breeder Sal Reyes suggested. "Then, 'OK, your dog passed, you can go on and not have them neutered.' "

Lisa Lange of PETA says that she supports the proposal and believes the measure may benefit the city.

"Right now, we have way too many cats and dogs in the city," Lange said. "By requiring that all animals be spayed or neutered, they are not able to breed anymore, which means that you reduce the population quickly."

Dog owners, meanwhile, are expected to continue to fight the measure. A draft proposal will be written by the city attorney's officer within the next 60 days.

"Let's make a logical decision, rather than ones based on fear-mongering, which I feel this councilman is doing," resident Elizabeth Hammond said.

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