Spaying or neutering pets can help reduce the number of stray animals.
In Chicago, pet owners are not legally required to spay or neuter their cats and dogs. In 2008, the city failed to pass a mandatory spay/neuter law for pets. However, Chicago does have pet regulations and programs in effect that seek to reduce the pet population through spaying and neutering.
Failed 2008 Spay/Neuter Law
In July of 2008, Chicago city council members Edward Burke and Ginger Rugai introduced a citywide ordinance to require that pet owners spay and neuter their cats and dogs. The measure was proposed shortly after a pit bull attacked a mother and her child in the city, and was intended to reduce the number of dogs bred for fighting by irresponsible owners. The law also aspired to reduce the number of animals euthanized in city shelters every year. The measure met fierce resistance from breeders and some pet owners, and was tabled without ever being brought up for a final vote.
Dog Registration Laws
The city of Chicago operates a dog registration program. Dog registration is required if pet owners want to board their dogs at an animal care facility, or if they want to obtain a permit to enter dog parks throughout the city. Dog registration also helps reunite lost pets with their owners. For spayed or neutered dogs, the registration fee is $5, or $2.50 for pet owners older than 65. For non-spayed or non-neutered dogs, the registration fee is $50. The higher fee is in place largely to help the city pay for spay and neuter programs.
Spay Neuter Program
Although the 2008 mandatory spay/neuter law did not go into effect, Chicago operates a free spay/neuter program to help combat the number of strays in the neighborhoods with the highest stray populations. The Chicago Animal Care and Control department offers these free services every Thursday and the last Wednesday of every month. Known as the "Big Fix Program," the city's efforts at reducing the stray pet population also include public awareness campaigns and coordination between city agencies. Some of these outreach programs include visits to schools as well as visits to targeted neighborhoods in a mobile animal hospital (where spay and neuter operations can be conducted).
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