JOHN-PAUL YOUNG
Caddo Commission
If you’ve been following the news about Caddo Parish’s new mandatory spay/neuter ordinance, you may know that the law passed 10-1. But you may not know exactly how the law will affect you and your pets.
Here’s a set of the most commonly asked questions about the newest animal control ordinance.
1. When does that law take effect? July 1, 2022.
2. How long does the law last? Two years, unless renewed. Expiring June 30, 2024.
3. What’s the purpose of the law? To prevent unwanted litters of puppies and kittens by spaying and neutering more of the pets of irresponsible pet owners.
4. Should I get my dog or cat spayed or neutered? Yes, but there are several reasons why a responsible pet owner might not. Those are all spelled out in the five exceptions to the rule.
5. I have a fancy show dog that isn’t spayed or neutered. Does the law require me to spay/neuter it? If you have a registered dog breed that you intend to show, you’re exempt from the spay/neuter requirement. If you have a dog that you intend to breed, you should get an annual intact permit (for males) or a breeder permit (for females) from Caddo Parish Animal Control.
6. My pet is too young to be spayed or neutered. Do I have to have this done anyway? No, the law exempts dogs under 52 weeks and cats under 26 weeks old.
7. My dog is a huge breed, like a Great Dane, and needs more than 52 weeks to grow up before being spayed or neutered. Do I have to anyway? No, very large breed dogs are exempted until they reach an appropriate age for neutering, usually about 18 months.
8. I like to hunt, and my dog is not neutered. He wears a collar with tags and has a microchip and rabies vaccination. Do I have to get him neutered? No, if your dog gets out and is caught by animal control officers (ACOs), you won’t have to get him neutered if he has a collar and tags or microchip and is also up to date on rabies shots. The first time he’s caught by ACOs, you will get a warning but not be required to neuter him. However, if your dog is caught roaming twice by ACOs, already existing law requires your dog to be neutered.
9. Will I have to pay to spay or neuter my pets? No! The exciting news is, if you want to get your pet spayed or neutered by Animal Services from now till June 30, 2024, you can for free! This is because it is cheaper for the government to spay and neuter would-be parent dogs than it is to catch and eventually kill their puppies. The law is designed to save money and heartache by helping you get your dog fixed without extra costs.
10. Will animal control officers be going around hunting for my dog to neuter him? No, animal control officers are very busy, because of the huge overpopulation of pets in Caddo. ACOs will only address pets that they have a good reason to think are likely to make unwanted litters, and they operate mostly by complaint.
11. Who should be worried about this law? If you have three or four intact mixed-breed dogs in your yard, with male and female dogs living together, then you’ve created a strong chance of unwanted puppies. If an ACO notices your dogs, he or she should contact you to give you more information about the change of the law, and can encourage and eventually require you to get your dogs spayed and neutered. But don’t worry too much, because the spay/neuter surgery will still be free for you until 2024!