Arizona: Mandatory Spay or Neuter Measure Awaits House Committee!

House Bill 2516, sponsored by State Representative Ed Ableser (D-17), would prohibit persons from owning or keeping a dog or cat that is more than six months old if the animal has not been spayed or neutered.  A person would have to obtain an intact permit to own an animal that does not fit the criteria, which places an unfair burden on Arizona sportsmen who may own/breed dogs for hunting purposes. 

This legislation threatens to keep hunters and other dog owners from making decisions based upon their own personal circumstances. It would prevent hunters from continuing the tradition of occasionally breeding their favorite dog in order to provide other hunters with good dogs and defray some of the costs associated with caring for their animals. From a financial perspective, the bill discriminates against hunters with limited budgets. 

HB2516 is currently in the House waiting to be assigned to a committee. It is important that NRA members continue to monitor this bill that would severely impact sportsmen if it were to become law.  Please contact your State Representative and urge him or her to oppose HB2516.  You can find your State Representative by clicking here.