L.A. County Passes Measure Requiring Cat Owners To Spay Pets

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County supervisors have passed a measure requiring residents in unincorporated neighborhoods to spay and neuter their cats.

Supervisors voted unanimously in favor of the proposal at a meeting Tuesday.

The Los Angeles Times reports 19,000 cats were euthanized last year — 70 percent of all felines brought to the county's six shelters. Cats are euthanized in higher numbers than dogs, which are more likely to be adopted or reclaimed by their owners.

Residents in the county's unincorporated areas are already required to neuter their dogs.

Supervisors will vote on a final proposal once the details are set. Officials are working to find low-cost vet services for cat owners.