Pet Sterilization Ordinance Moves Forward

By Kevin Robinson in News on May 15, 2008 5:20PM

Alderman Ed Burke's ordinance to impose mandatory sterilization of domestic animals in Chicago gained new traction yesterday, as Alderman Ginger Rugai (19th) joined forces with him to introduce an ordinance that would require all pets be spayed or neutered in Chicago. The ordinance states that “no person shall own harbor or keep within the city of Chicago a dog or cat over six months of ages which has not been sterilized.” The ordinance would impose fines of up to $100, increasing to $500 for failure to comply within 30 days.

Burke said that his proposal was prompted by recent attacks on citizens by dogs, as well as the number of homeless dogs and cats roaming the streets of Chicago. When asked how the city would enforce such an ordinance, given that cats require no license and canine licenses are largely ignored, Burke replied “when you drive down the street and see a gang banger with all kinds of gang regalia walking along with two or three pit bulls, it's pretty simple for the policeman to raise the dog's tail and see whether or not it's spayed or neutered. If it's not, the gang member is in violation.” Noting that street gangs sometimesoperate dogfighting rings, he said “the rest of dog and cat owners—many of them are very law-abiding citizens and understand the nature of this law and what it's designed to do: to reduce the number of vicious animal roaming the streets.” Pet owners who can't afford sterilization can get the procedure at no charge through groups such as PAWS Chicago.