West Covina Council introduces ordinance to require spay, neuter and microchipping; public hearing set for May 19

The West Covina City Council voted April 21 to introduce Ordinance No. 2539, which would incorporate previously excluded provisions of Los Angeles County Title 10 that require mandatory spaying, neutering and microchipping of animals in the city, and scheduled a public hearing for May 19, 2026.

The ordinance, presented by city staffer Mr. Makarewicz, would amend Chapter 6 of the West Covina Municipal Code to bring the city’s animal-control rules into alignment with county standards. Staff recommended the ordinance be effective July 1, 2026, to align with the city’s contract year with the County Department of Animal Care and Control. The staff report noted neighboring jurisdictions that have adopted similar measures, including Walnut, Industry, Azusa, El Monte and Baldwin Park.

Why it matters: volunteers and rescue groups told the council the city’s sheltering system is overwhelmed and losing adoptable animals. Multiple public speakers described crowded conditions at the Baldwin Park shelter and urged mandatory sterilization and microchipping to reduce returns and euthanasia. “Mandating spay and neuter isn’t just the compassionate choice, it’s also fiscally responsible,” said Kimberly Duke, a Baldwin Park shelter volunteer.

What the council debated: council members pressed staff on how low-income residents and people who are unhoused would access services and whether local veterinarians would participate. In response, staff said Los Angeles County offers vouchers—up to $100 for cats and small dogs and up to $300 for large-breed dogs—and that the city will pursue free or low-cost clinics and outreach. Acting City Manager Mylene said the city will use canvassing, the city newsletter and event outreach to publicize resources and compliance steps.

Staff also presented data on shelter demand. According to answers given by staff during the meeting, in the 2024–25 fiscal year the Baldwin Park shelter received 1,268 animals from West Covina; 962 of those were recorded as strays and 192 as owner surrenders. Staff estimated an initial 20% reduction in shelter costs could be expected in the first year after adoption and a continuing decline as compliance improved.

Enforcement and penalties: the proposed ordinance would add administrative citation authority mirroring Title 10 provisions and retain an escalating penalty schedule already used by the city (first violation up to $100; subsequent violations up to $250–$500). Councilmembers stressed the need for a clear warning and outreach-first enforcement approach; staff indicated the county’s practice is to issue warnings first and that the city intends a soft roll‑out tied to license renewals.

Council vote and next steps: the motion to introduce Ordinance No. 2539 and set a May 19 public hearing carried with Councilman Woo, Councilwoman Diaz, Mayor Pro Tem Cantos and Mayor Lopez-Viado voting yes; Councilmember Gutierrez abstained. Staff said the ordinance would return for the required public hearing and final reading on May 19 and, if adopted, would take effect July 1 to align with county contracts.

Community reaction: volunteers and advocates urged immediate action and subsidized clinics. Anna Montañez Muñoz, a long-time foster and rescuer, urged a subsidized spay/neuter initiative, saying Baldwin Park’s euthanasia rates for cats have reached high levels. City staff committed to listing local low-cost providers and coordinating voucher access ahead of the hearing.

The council’s formal public hearing on Ordinance No. 2539 is scheduled for May 19, 2026, when residents may testify again and councilmembers will decide whether to adopt the changes.