The Las Vegas City Council has adopted new reporting requirements for city pet shops as part of a mandatory spay/neuter bill.

The measure, approved on Nov. 18 by a vote of 5-2, will require Las Vegas pet shops to provide the city with the following information on a quarterly basis:

• The name and residence address of cat and dog buyers.
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• The address of the location where the dog or cat will reside, if not the same as the buyer’s residence.
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• The breed and approximate age of the animal.
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• A description of the animal.

Failure to comply with the requirements will be grounds for a nonrenewal of, or disciplinary action against, a business license.

These requirements are aimed at assisting the city in enforcing a mandatory spay and neuter provision that is included in the same measure.

As adopted, Bill No. 2009-44 will require animals over 4 months old to be spayed or neutered, except under specified circumstances, such as the animal is held by a person with a fancier’s permit or if the pet is medically unsuited for the procedure.

“This is not targeted at the responsible pet owner,” bill sponsor Councilman Steven Ross said during the council meeting. “This is to give our officers the ability to do what needs to be done in this community to address the issue of animal overpopulation.”

The bill also requires the microchipping of dogs and cats before they can be recovered from impound or adopted.

The measure goes into effect April 1, 2010. <HOME>