Victor Valley Times

Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) announced today that his bill aimed at expanding access to low- and no-cost spay/neuter services has been signed by Governor Newsom. The bill, Senate Bill 1233 (SB 1233), seeks to address the issue of animal shelter overcrowding in California.

“Show your pets some extra love today! This is a major win for animal welfare and a pivotal step toward relieving our overwhelmed shelters,” said Senator Wilk. “By training more veterinarians in efficient spay and neuter procedures, we can finally start correcting course.”

Under SB 1233, the two accredited veterinary schools in California—UC Davis and Western University of Health Sciences—will develop the nation’s first High-Quality High-Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) certification program. HQHVSN is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows veterinarians to perform many spay and neuter procedures at low or no cost.

Studies indicate that over 150,000 dogs and cats go unneutered or unspayed each year in California, contributing to shelter overcrowding and resulting in approximately 100,000 euthanizations annually. This issue is particularly severe in the High Desert region.

The bill aims to reverse this trend and has received support from various animal welfare organizations, including the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). The CVMA recently named Wilk their inaugural Legislator of the Year for his efforts.

“As the sponsors of SB 1233, the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) applauds the governor for signing Senator Wilk’s bill and for seeing the vision behind this critically important measure,” said CVMA President Dr. Jennifer Hawkins. “California is home to two outstanding veterinary colleges which will ultimately lead the way in training veterinary students, veterinarians, and registered veterinary technicians in HQHVSN. The program will also provide low-cost and no-cost spay/neuters to pet owners in local communities – which is a win for all.”

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) also recognizes HQHVSN as the "best antidote to the mass euthanasia of cats and dogs resulting from overpopulation."

“Pets love us unconditionally and bring so much joy to our lives. It’s our duty to ensure those without a home are cared for and given the opportunity for a happy life,” Wilk concluded.