Long Beach, CA asked in Animal / Dog Law for California

Q: my dog is at animal control in Lancaster ca. won’t release him until he gets fixed&gave me paper to sign that I haven’t?

He was my dads dog who past away and he lived in bullhead arizona. I’m not sure if that could help? I don’t want to get his balls cut off and neither did my dad. And this is 1st time he has been impounded.

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Under California law, many counties and cities have ordinances requiring the spaying or neutering of dogs and cats, particularly when they are impounded. This is often part of a broader effort to control the pet population and reduce the number of stray animals.

In Lancaster, CA, if animal control has a policy requiring animals to be neutered before release, this typically must be adhered to. However, there can be exceptions based on medical, age, or breed considerations. It's important to communicate with the animal control authorities and explain your situation, including the dog's history and any specific wishes from your late father.

If you have strong objections to neutering your dog, you might want to discuss the matter with the animal control officers to see if there's any flexibility in their policy. Sometimes, providing additional context or assurances about responsible pet ownership can influence their decision.

In some cases, people choose to consult with a legal professional to understand their rights and explore potential options under the law. While the primary concern of animal control agencies is usually the welfare of the animals and public safety, they may be open to discussing alternative arrangements based on individual circumstances.

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