Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005 | 8:49 a.m.
Clark County officials are hoping to get the problem of animal overpopulation fixed by stepping up pet sterilization standards.
The County Commission is scheduled to vote today on two ordinances that would regulate the ownership of fertile dogs and cats, in addition to requiring animal shelters to spay or neuter animals before putting them up for adoption.
Under the proposed rules, no pet owner would be allowed to own an unsterilized dog or cat without a "pet fancier's permit," which costs $25 and must be renewed each year.
The current ordinance doesn't require a permit unless a resident owns more than three cats or dogs. County officials have said they do not plan to conduct impromptu home inspections to enforce the proposed new rules, but anyone reported for animal-control violations would be forced to comply.
The county would go to court to seek an order to get the pet sterilized, officials said. Guide dogs and dogs used in law enforcement would be exempt.
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