State Assemblyman Lloyd Levine says his bill takes the best practices of various cities around the state to combat the problem of pet overpopulation. 

The measure would require dogs and cats over the age of four months to be spayed or neutered and local animal control agencies would enforce it.  The Democrat says there are plenty of ways to catch up with people whose pets may be contributing to the problem. 

 “If your dog is captured running loose if there’s a problem with your animal, if animal control is called to your house… so there’s plenty of opportunities…”

The bill would exempt breeders whose dogs and cats are registered with purebred organizations—for a price.  Those breeders would have to purchase a permit—likely to be a concern for some.