Today the Santa County Board of Supervisors heard testimony on the proposed mandatory spay and neuter ordinance proposed by Santa Barbara County Animal Services. This ordinance would require dog owners to visit a veterinarian every time they wanted to license their dogs. It would be up to the veterinarian whether he or she judged the owner suitable to own an intact dog. No ordinance guidelines have been suggested; it is totally up to the veterinarian’s opinion.
Speaking in opposition to the bill was Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino. Santa Maria contracts with Santa Barbara County for animal control. Mayor Lavagnino pointed out that while the number of animals processed by the Santa Barbara shelter has actually decreased almost 13% from 1998 to 2008, “Santa Barbara County’s bill to the City of Santa Maria has increased 247% in the same 10 year period. Ten years ago they charged Santa Maria $145,000 and now they are charging us $503,000. And we are at the tipping point.” Lavagnino urged a program that focused on licensing since identified dogs don’t end up in the shelters.
Also speaking in opposition to the ordinance was former County Supervisor Brooks Firestone. He said that emotions rather than logic are prevailing in addressing this issue. Firestone urged the Board to vote No.
Dr. Ron Faoro, who was also a sponsor of the failed AB1634, is the guiding light behind this ordinance. He has stated that anyone has the option to try and convince their veterinarian that they should be allowed to own an intact animal. His practice charges $71.00 for a visit and rabies shot. This ordinance, if adopted, will be a huge financial boon to the Santa Barbara Veterinary community. With only 50% compliance, the Ordinance would generate more than $11 million in income to the veterinary community.
Andy Caldwell, Executive Directive Director of Santa Barbara non-profit COLAB testified “something that makes the licensing program more expensive and complex is not going to increase compliance.”
The proposed ordinance is modeled on a Santa Cruz County ordinance. Santa Cruz has had mandatory spay neuter for 15 years. The dog euthanasia rate is 24%, the same as Santa Barbara County, and their cat euthanasia rate is 51% while Santa Barbara County’s is 38%. Those in opposition point out that this is evidence that this approach does not work.
The final vote on the ordinance will be held on December 1st.
