Lomita Task Force to Tackle Solutions to Stray-Pet Problem

In response to a request by Lomita animal rights activists, a special task force will meet Wednesday to discuss ways to curb the city’s population of stray cats and dogs.

Animal activists confronted the Lomita City Council two weeks ago with a petition bearing 100 names to demand an ordinance that would require mandatory spaying and neutering of all cats and dogs.

The move would make Lomita one of the first cities in Southern California to adopt such a law. Torrance is also considering a pet population ordinance.

The council set up a seven-member task force to study the issue. In addition to mandatory spaying and neutering, the task force will discuss other alternatives including increasing license fees for dogs that are not altered and requiring a breeding permit for unspayed cats.

“Something needs to be done to stop the indiscriminate breeding,” Mayor Robert Hargrave said.

After hearing from the public, the task force will recommend an ordinance to the council, which will then take up the matter. The soonest any ordinance could take effect would be July 1.

About 175,000 dogs and cats are euthanized every year in Los Angeles County, according to Ed Cubrda, president of the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He said requiring pets to be spayed or neutered would help his group track the number of pets in the county.

Animal activists hope for the overwhelming support that a mandatory spay and neutering law received in San Mateo County in Northern California, but not all Lomita residents support the plan. One resident said the ordinance would be “an invasion of privacy.”

“It’s my right to breed my dogs on my property,” said Lawson Pedigo, who owns several dachshunds that are not neutered. “It’s my privilege. I paid the price for those dogs.”

Wednesday’s hearing starts at 6 p.m. at Lomita City Hall, 24300 Narbonne Ave.