Is there any way to avoid having my dog neutered, or is it impossible because a bite occurred?

Question

I have a Cane Corso. My adult son had company over, and the couple brought their 2‑year‑old child. They left her unattended, even though they know she tends to wander and likes to open doors. My dog was outside in the yard for just a few minutes. She managed to open the door to the yard and tried to feed him some dry cereal she had in a bowl. He jumped on her, likely out of excitement for the food, and when the parents ran over and created more excitement trying to grab her, he bit her.
Animal control confiscated him, and now they’re telling me that after his 10‑day hold, I have no choice but to have him neutered before they return him home. I’m a veteran and planned to register him as an intact service dog. Is there any way to avoid having him neutered, or is it impossible because a bite occurred? He’s not an aggressive animal — she plays with him every time she visits.

Answer

Dangerous dog laws vary but some require dogs who are determined to be dangerous to be spayed/neutered. People are generally entitled to present evidence at a dangerous dog hearing, including that the dog was provoked. It is important to check local laws. Consider retaining an attorney.

California law also states, in part: “Cities and counties may enact dog breed-specific ordinances pertaining only to mandatory spay or neuter programs and breeding requirements, provided that no specific dog breed, or mixed dog breed, shall be declared potentially dangerous or vicious under those ordinances.” Again, it is important to check local laws.

Some municipalities in California (and elsewhere) have enacted laws which require impounded animals to be spayed or neutered prior to their release to their “parents.” These laws differ in that some of the laws only require spaying/neutering if the dog has been impounded more than once.

Also important to note is that many municipalities in California (and elsewhere) have enacted ordinances which require dogs and cats over the age of four or six months to be spayed or neutered, with certain exceptions, such as when the animal’s “parent” has an unaltered animal or breeding permit or a veterinarian certifies that the procedure would jeopardize the animal’s health. Some local laws also contain exceptions to the sterilization requirement for service dogs, certified show dogs, and law enforcement dogs.

Spaying and neutering help to control the population of dogs (and other species) and can provide health benefits.