§ 5-4.501. Purpose and Intent.

The City Council finds and declares that there exists a pet overpopulation problem in the City of Modesto that has resulted in a threat to public safety and health, inhumane treatment of animals, mass euthanasia of dogs and cats at the local animal shelters and escalating costs for animal care and control. The City Council finds that uncontrolled breeding is a contributing cause to these problems. The City Council finds that part of the solution is for all dogs four (4) months or older to be licensed and spayed or neutered, unless the owners purchase the appropriate licenses/permits for the privilege of maintaining the animal intact and allowing it to breed. The City Council also finds that an increase in the license fee for unaltered dogs will encourage dog owners to spay/neuter their dog(s) in order to qualify for the lower altered dog license fee. Further, the City Council finds that regulating the breeding and transfer of dogs and cats will help alleviate the City's pet overpopulation problem.

(Added by Ord. 3398-C.S., § 1, effective 12-01-05)