The Waco City Council today will take its final vote on a proposed “intact animal ordinance” that would require dog and cat owners to spay or neuter their pet or buy a permit.

The ordinance won unanimous approval on its first reading last month, despite an outcry from breeders who said it penalized responsible owners. The fee is expected to be $50 per pet per year.

The ordinance allows exceptions for animals who are trained for public safety work, who are held at a pet store or shelter, or who have a veterinarian’s note advising against neutering.

The council meets at 6 p.m. at the city operations center, 1415 N. Fourth St., and will allow visitors to speak before the vote. Public comment is not allowed at a 3 p.m. work session.

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