Animal Care Services (ACS) estimates that there are over 103,000 cats living in Long Beach. In an effort to reduce the number of animals impounded each year, ACS is promoting spay and neuter in the month March as “Litter Free Long Beach.” Residents are encouraged to get their animals- particularly cats- spayed or neutered to reduce the number of unwanted litters in 2010. Currently, a mandatory spay and neuter law exists for cats, and residents need a permit to breed dogs in the city.
“Looking at historical data, March is the critical month for getting animals spayed and neutered- particularly cats, who can produce two or more litters per year. We see the number of cat impounds triple, beginning in April of each year and lasting through the summer,” said Ron Arias, director of the Health and Human Services Department. Last year alone, over 6,000 cats were impounded at the local shelter.
In addition, spay and neuter vouchers that help offset the cost of the procedure are available to residents through ACS.
More Information
(562) 570-7387
www.longbeach.gov/acs
