The ASPCA provides tools on its website to learn how to be an advocate for animal protection. They help people from all walks protect and advocate stronger laws. They also provide a way to learn about your state's cruelty laws by visiting their online State Law Summary Database .

Frustrated with inadequate protection for animals and deadly slow progress in combating dog and cat overpopulation, animal advocates have long turned to legislation to put some teeth into their good intentions.

Kim Sturla, then director of California's Peninsula Humane Society, triggered the current wave of breeding regulation laws in 1990. Sturla's focused, compelling, campaign to impact dog and cat euthanasia resulted in passage of a law prohibiting the breeding of dogs or cats in San Mateo County in the absence of a special permit.

A number of cities and counties nationwide have since passed similar laws. Common components include financial incentives and penalties, special permits, funding for low-cost neuter surgery and mandatory spay/neuter for impounded, roaming animals. Many of these communities have experienced a significant reduction in the number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters following the law's passage.

As Western Director for the Fund for Animals, Sturla introduced the "Feline Fix Bill" which would have required that all outdoor California cats be neutered. Although over 140 animal protection groups endorsed it, that bill did not pass.

Other standouts that have taken the balls and run with them include the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), which passed a breeding regulation bill in King County, Washington; and Doris Day Animal League, which helped pass breeding regulations in Montgomery County, Maryland. The latter requires that all outdoor cats be neutered and sets a 0 fine for unaltered dogs running loose.

For more infomation, please visit ASPCA's website!