A case in New York is evaluating the issue of whether the State can force a dog owner to spay/neuter their dog.

It all started 4 days after the big snowstorm, when snow piled up next to a fence in Kriniskiy's yard. Kriniskiy says, through no fault of his own, the dog was able to climb up on the snow and jump off the property.

The dog was retrieved by animal control, and according to city law, sterilization is required, if Kriniskiy wants him back. Kriniskiy is now suing the city and animal control over a law that he feels is heartless.

We all understand why fixing a dog is a good idea. But should owners be forced to do so? Who has the say in the matter?

As a libertarian, I don't want government telling me to do anything. I believe in personal responsibility, and that people should accept the consequences of not taking responsibility. But at what point does the "pain of reality" step in to take away our personal freedoms?

I'm all for government requiring spaying and neutering animals owned by the government, and for all animals to be adopted by the public through private shelters and rescues. And, I feel that this is a critical process to maintain control of animal populations. However, I also feel that the need to protect personal freedom trumps the need to control animal populations.

No one is saying that Kriniskiy is irresponsible. We've all had a dog that got loose. I just prefer to see people take responsibility, rather than have government take responsibility for us.