VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. -- It's a first for Central Florida. Major new restrictions are on the way for people who own dogs and cats in Volusia County. It's an effort to reduce the number of unwanted pets, but some pet owners aren't happy.

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VIDEO REPORT: Spay And Neuter Law Passed In Volusia County

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County leaders voted in favor of mandatory spay and neutering for all pets Thursday. It goes into effect September 1, but Thursday a lot of people were trying to stop it. They say it's unfair to those who breed their animals responsibly.

It wasn't what Cypress and his owner, Janet Severt, wanted to hear.

"This is affecting people's rights to own dogs and cats," Severt said.

They were among dozens who packed Volusia County council chambers Thursday to fight a proposed law that would require all pet owners to have their cats and dogs spayed or neutered or face serious fines.

"We're killing more and more animals every day and it's costing this county a lot of money and it's costing a lot of animal lives and that's not right," said Volusia County Chairman Frank Bruno.

After hours of debate, the new ordinance passed by a 5 to 2 vote.

About 17,000 cats and dogs had to be euthanized in Volusia County alone last year. Supporters insist the new ordinance can change that and they now hope to get other local governments involved.

"We've been trying to do something for a very long time and we will do anything we can to get the cities on board," said ordinance supporter Cheryl Robel.

The new law does exempt reputable breeders and certain working, hunting and herding dogs. Violators will still get a written warning at first, but could face fines up to $500 and could even lose their animals if they refuse to comply.