Pet sterilization law goes into effect in Las Vegas

Las Vegas' new spay and neuter ordinance went into effect Thursday, meaning cats and dogs older than four months in the city must be sterilized unless certain exceptions apply.

A dog or cat also must have a micro-chip inserted before the Lied Animal Shelter will release it from impound or for adoption.

North Las Vegas already has a similar ordinance on the books, and Clark County adopted one that takes effect May 1.

The measures are aimed at reducing pet overpopulation in Southern Nevada. Lied Animal Shelter, which contracts with Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Clark County for shelter services, takes in about 50,000 animals a year and puts down about half of those when owners or new homes can't be found.

The euthanasia rate is particularly high among cats, because feral cats reproduce rapidly and are generally not adoptable. Lied Animal Shelter Director Christine Robinson has said that 86 percent of the animals entering the shelter are not sterilized.

To enforce the ordinance, letters will be sent to new pet owners informing them of licensing, vaccination and sterilization requirements. Animal control officers will check compliance as they meet with pet owners during their regular duties. The program will be reviewed annually to see whether it's working.

There are exceptions to the spay/neuter requirements for:

■ Animals being held by a shelter or other organization for adoption.

■ Animals belonging to someone with a breeder's, handler's or fancier's permit.

■ Animals that can't breed or are unfit for the surgery.

■ Service and law enforcement animals.

Documentation will be required for those exercising the service animal, incapable of breeding or unfit for surgery exemptions. Violating the new ordinance would be a misdemeanor.