Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.metro From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Council targets litters Date: Wed, 11 Nov 92 14:23:38 EST Message-ID: \SE B;METROPOLITAN \HD Council targets litters \SH Fines in future of nonspayers \BY Arlo Wagner \CR THE WASHINGTON TIMES The Montgomery County Council yesterday passed what is believed to be the first law in the East aimed at controlling animals who are "littering the county with litters." After almost 18 months of debate, the council approved - with two abstentions - the law aimed at pushing all county dog and cat owners toward spaying or neutering their pets. Those who wanted to breed their dogs and cats would have to pay for a special permit to do so. Pet owners who did not neuter their pets could pay stiff fines under the legislation, which will not take effect until Nov. 1, 1993. Between now and then, county officials will have to decide how hefty the fines will be for neutering scofflaws. But even that has sparked debate. The suggested fines - as much as $100 for an unaltered animal that is picked up more than three times in one year by the county - caused council members Michael Subin and Nancy Dacek to abstain from voting on the bill. While they said the intent of the bill is correct, they feared the high fees might discourage compliance. "I am concerned that there are a number of disincentives for licensing and a number of disincentives for owners to be responsible," said Mrs. Dacek. The law is aimed at curbing the feline and canine birth boom in the county. Animal control officials said 9,089 wayward pets have been adopted or destroyed in the last three years. Pet owners currently pay $16 for impoundment and $5 a day for boarding when they reclaim their pets from the pound. The new law recommends a $25 "field service fee" be added anytime the county picks up an "at-large" dog or cat, whether it is neutered or not. If an unaltered animal is picked up three times in a year, however, the law would require that it be neutered and its owner be hit with an additional fine of as much as $100. People who do not want to neuter their pets would have to pay for a breeding permit, which the law recommends setting at about $75 every three years. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM