Residents urge West Covina to consider spay/neuter rules and microchipping to ease shelter strain

Volunteers and animal-welfare advocates used the West Covina City Council’s public-comment period on April 1 to urge the city to pursue spay/neuter and microchipping requirements and increase outreach to reduce shelter intake and euthanasia.

Tom Keish, who identified himself as a volunteer with the LA County Animal Care Center and the local shelter, said shelters are “overwhelmed” and pleaded with the council to consider spay/neuter and microchipping requirements. “Spaying and neutering is the single most important thing we can do to save cats and dogs from all the suffering and death that overpopulation causes,” Keish said. He proposed a city “pet of the month” program to raise awareness and encourage adoption.

Other commenters, including Veronica, emphasized microchipping as a permanent means to reunite lost pets with owners and reduce shelter stays. Robert Arnold and another long‑time volunteer described elevated euthanasia rates and urged the city to coordinate with other nearby cities on regulations and enforcement.

City Manager Paulina said the city does not currently have a mandate to require spay/neuter and noted a substantial fee difference that can affect homeowner incentives; she said staff will work with the county and consider public education and outreach options, and that the county has been asked about restoring door‑to‑door canvassing of animal licensing and vaccination/tag compliance.

Council members suggested additional outreach, including helping residents find low‑cost services, posting information from the county and reviving pet-education events. No council action or ordinance was proposed on April 1.