Bob Barker, retired game show host of "The Price is Right," testified Tuesday at City Hall in support of a controversial ordinance that would make spaying and neutering mandatory in Chicago. Under this legislation, all cats and dogs would be required to undergo the necessary operation once they reach six months of age.

“Overpopulation is one of the most tragic animal problems that we have in our country,” Barker said. “There are thousands, probably millions of people across the country who have devoted [themselves] to trying to find homes for surplus animals. And these people… are doomed to fail,” he said.

While some at the raucous meeting supported the ordinance, others including a group of veterinarians argued that it is seriously flawed.

Ald. Edward M. Burke (14th) and Ald. Virginia A. Rugai (19th) presented the ordinance, which seeks to reduce the number of homeless dogs and cats in Chicago and to cut down on attacks by aggressive animals, before a Joint Committee on Finance and License and Consumer Protection.

“Apathy sets in…. And when we get to this wall… the only answer is legislation,” Barker said.

According to Barker, the movement to make spaying and neutering mandatory is “sweeping across the country” like a “tsunami.” Barker pointed to Los Angeles, which recently passed a similar legislation, as well as Dallas and San Antonio, Texas.

The ordinance is “win-win,” Barker said, adding that it will ease animal suffering as well as save taxpayers money on costly euthanizations—the result of overpopulation.

Barker was one of many witnesses who spoke in favor of the ordinance, including Paula Fasseas, founder of PAWS Chicago; Jordan Matyas, Illinois state director of The Humane Society of the United States; an animal behaviorist and a representative from the city's animal control department

Burke and Rugai introduced the ordinance after a pit bull attack left a Chicago woman hospitalized last May. In addition to cutting down on attacks like this, the aldermen said that the ordinance would target dog-fighting rings operated by Chicago gang members.

Despite Barker’s support, the legislation’s merits were less than "best in show" to many alderman and veterinarians in attendance.

“I agree with everything you’ve done before, until today,” Ald. Ray Suarez (31st) told Barker. “I don’t like when the government tries to get involved in everything to solve problems. Right now we’re starting with pets… What’s the next step?” he asked.

The issue of government control and its effect on responsible pet owners was a common point of dissent among city council members, many of whom thought the law would have no effect on gang members, who already disregard written laws.

The veterinarians, including Steve Dullard, chairman of the legislative committee of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, spoke out against the ordinance, citing flaws in data detailing the impact of spaying and neutering on aggressive pets. They also argued that the mandate could discourage pet owners who fail to comply with the ordinance from seeking rabies vaccinations for fear of retribution.

The game show host’s presence, coupled with an opinionated crowd, created an atmosphere comparable to one of Barker’s broadcasts. Upon taking the stand to loud applause, Barker said, “I think the thing that I miss most about ‘The Price is Right’ is the applause. No, I’ll correct that, the thing I miss most about ‘The Price is Right’ is the money.”

Cheering mingled with dissension during the lengthy hearing, which was recessed until a later date. Fifty-two witnesses plan to speak in favor of the ordinance, and 31 against it.