LOS ANGELES (KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO)  -- The Los Angeles Department of Animal Services doesn't have the money to promote or enforce a city ordinance that requires most pets be spade or neutered by the time they are four months old, according to an audit by City Controller Laura Chick. The ordnance goes into effect October 1st.

Pet owners who are not in compliance will receive information on subsidized sterilization programs. Those who are still in non-compliance within 60 days could face a $100 fine or eight hours of community service. The fine increases to $500 or 40 hours of community service after a third offense.

The city didn't provide any money to the LA Department of Animal Services to fund the program. The economic strain of the ordnance comes at a time when the department cannot afford to open a $14 million shelter that they just built in the San Fernando Valley.

LA Animal Services