R.I. to Order Cat Owners to Spay, Neuter

Associated Press ^ | May 24, 2006 | M.L. JOHNSON

[decimon]

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Rhode Island could become the first state to require cat owners to spay or neuter their pets under legislation passed Wednesday by the General Assembly.

The measure would require pets older than 6 months to be spayed or neutered unless owners pay $100 for a breeder's license or special permit. Violators would be fined $75 a month.

The Senate previously passed the bill, and with House approval, it now goes to Gov. Don Carcieri. The governor was reviewing the legislation, spokesman Jeff Neal said.

Democratic Rep. Charlene Lima, the legislation's main sponsor in the House, said she hopes Rhode Island will lead the nation in instituting a spaying requirement.

Supporters say the bill could save thousands of cats from being killed each year and ease crowding in animal shelters.

But some animal rights advocates worry the bill could prompt cat owners to abandon their pets rather than risk a fine or pay several hundred dollars for the birth control procedures.

The bill has a provision for low-income pet owners to receive subsidies for low-cost spay and neuter surgery. It also exempts farmers.

East Providence, Pawtucket and Warwick already have similar municipal ordinances.

[decimon]

Spaying and neutering cat owners. Farmers may breed.

[Chickensoup]

I went to the vet. My cat had had kittens and we found homes for all of them within a day. Good homes. I asked my vet if there was birthcontrol for her so she could have a litter next year.

He insisted on spaying her.

Show cats and pedigreed cats go into season constantly???

[an amused spectator]

Cha-CHING! Cha-CHING, cha-ching, cha-ching!

Gads, they NEVER stop thinking of ways to get into your wallet, do they?

And we employ them full-time, and give them pensions for stealing our jack...

[mewzilla]

I think we should spay and neuter pols.

[beaversmom]

ping

[decimon]

And we employ them full-time, and give them pensions for stealing our jack...

Like with the 1960 election, it's Jack or Dick.

[peyton randolph]

AIDS costs society far more than stray cats. RI planning to neuter homosexuals?

[Salgak]

No, your proposal doesn't go QUITE far enough, we should spay and neuter politicians WITH A RUSTY SPOON AND NO ANESTHESIA. . .

That should do it. . .

[an amused spectator]

LOL! Aint it the truth?

[NEPAConservative]

I like cats...dead ones...oops !

[SR 50]

One day, in the news, the Federal Government to include pets in evacuation plans. The next day, in the news, RI has solved it's problem in the future buy cutting off their... (this is nuts).

[DB]

It now seems every aspect of life has to be regulated...

We are shadows of our formers selves...

[Fury]

The measure would require pets older than 6 months to be spayed or neutered unless owners pay $100 for a breeder's license or special permit. Violators would be fined $75 a month.

And how does the state expect to check to see if a cat is spayed/neutered if the animal does not go outside? What lunacy...

[mtbopfuyn]

I think we should spay and neuter pols.

Exactly. This law is disgusting.

[mewzilla]

No, your proposal doesn't go QUITE far enough, we should spay and neuter politicians WITH A RUSTY SPOON AND NO ANESTHESIA. . .

LOL. These days, I betcha we could sell tickets to that....

[decimon]

And how does the state expect to check to see if a cat is spayed/neutered if the animal does not go outside? What lunacy...

Cats licensed and tagged like dogs?

File form 82657 for licensing within 7 days of pet adoption. File form 93104 (desexing) within 180 calendar days of license receipt. Failing to file means having to bend over and kiss your cat goodbye.

[wolfcreek]

Hey, Cats are cool! (as long as they live at someone elses house)

[poobear]

"And how does the state expect to check to see if a cat is spayed/neutered if the animal does not go outside? What lunacy..."

Judge, we need a warrant to search a residence. Seems there have been complaints that they are harboring a fugitive cat and quite possibly a non-spayed feline type.

No problem detective.

[meowmeow]

You're right - this law is disgusting.

However if you are not wanting to breed your indoor cat, and you don't get the cat fixed, you are a nut and your house must not smell very nice. So this is just more government regulation of stupid people.

[sergeantdave]

Marxist politicians should be chained to posts in the basement, whipped every Saturday in the public square and let out for exercise in alligator infested lakes.