November 6, 2007

Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9005, we have reviewed the proposed initiative entitled “Animal License Law” (A.G. File No. 07‑0057).

Background

State law authorizes local governments to issue licenses to owners of dogs and cats for a fee. It also requires local governments that choose to issue dog and cat licenses to provide the license at a reduced fee for animals that have been spayed or neutered. Most local governments have adopted ordinances requiring pet owners to obtain a license, and have implemented a two-tiered fee schedule with one fee (or set of fees) for animals that have been spayed or neutered and another higher fee (or set of fees) for unaltered animals.

Major Provisions

This measure would prohibit local governments from charging individuals more than $50 per animal per year to obtain a pet license or permit. Senior citizens and individuals receiving certain public assistance benefits (Medicare and MediCal) would be entitled to a 50 percent discount on licensing or permit fees.

Fiscal Effect

The pet license fees vary across local jurisdictions. Currently, most, if not all, local governments charge less than $50 for spayed and neutered cats and dogs. Some jurisdictions, however, currently charge more than $50 for unaltered dogs and cats. Many local governments offer discounts for seniors.

The fiscal effect of this measure is unknown. On the one hand, some local governments could experience a loss of revenue since fees for unaltered dogs and cats would have to be lowered. On the other hand, lowering the fees could result in the licensing of a higher number of unaltered dogs and cats which could increase local revenue. The net fiscal effect of these factors is unknown.

Summary

This measure would result in the following fiscal effect:

·        Unknown net revenue loss or gain to local governments depending on the number of animals licensed under the measure.

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