Mandatory spay and neuter - not yet
By Sue Patterson
Las Cruces Sun-News
Article Launched:08/28/2007
When Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez spoke to the Las Cruces City Council on July 9, he gave an overview of major changes to the animal codes in Albuquerque. Those changes (some big, some small) have resulted in an impressive increase in the numbers of pets adopted in Albuquerque and a corresponding decrease in the number who are being "put down" (a comforting euphemism for "killed.") Unfortunately the "buzzword" from Mayor Chavez' presentation that caught the most attention was "mandatory spay and neuter." That red flag apparently is being thrown about as a "clear and present threat" to the independence of pet owners.
Those who believe the totality of Mayor Chavez' solutions was mandatory spay and neuter weren't listening. Mayor Chavez clearly stated that one of the mistakes Albuquerque made when creating the HEART Animal Codes was not including ethical breeders. Members of the local Animal Advocacy Coalition heard that suggestion loud and clear. That group, along with representatives of the shelter and the local breeders, various rescue groups and activists, have commenced working jointly to bring about positive change in our abhorrent pet over-population problem. This diverse group will be seeking input and solutions from all concerned parties.
In the interim, there are many steps that our community, with the help of the city and county officials (the check signers) and a caring public can take. Individually and collectively, some simple changes would make a significant difference in the numbers of euthanasias at the shelter.
First, let's make spay and neuter surgeries available to the many pet owners who really want to do the right thing, but can't afford it. SNAP, Free Spay & Neuter and the shelter are doing their best — but a mass voluntary spay and neuter effort will be required. Most of us agree that if people can't afford standard, basic care for a pet, including vaccinations and licensing and spay or neuter surgeries, they should not have a pet. But we must deal with what "is" and not to waste time on what "should" be.
Secondly, let's make microchips available for all pets. This would greatly increase the number of pets returned to their owners. If El Paso can do it, Las Cruces can do it. Rigid enforcement of licensing and rabies vaccination laws would also assure the animal is at least wearing an identity tag.
Third: The county does not require licensing, while the city does. Yet 70 percent of the animals that end up at the shelter are from the county. Let's change the county animal codes immediately. I asked Alan Davis, the director of the DAC Animal Shelter, if he could wave a magic wand for an effective reduction in euthanasias, he responded, "mandatory licensing in the county." A yearly fundraiser could subsidize anyone who cannot afford the small licensing fees, or donations to the shelter could be specifically earmarked for this cost. Not insignificantly, the last figure I saw on the loss of yearly income to the shelter because of lack of enforcement of licensing was $137,000.
Fourth: Will all the people who call Sound-Off! to criticize the shelter please come forward and (1)
adopt or foster a pet; (2)
volunteer to raise funds to defray the costs of the spay, neuter, licensing and microchip costs; (3)
help transport pets to adoption sites all over Las Cruces; (4)
give three hours a week (or even a month) to one of the many volunteer programs sponsored by the DAC Animal Shelter; (5)
re-start the RESCUE program which, several years ago, relocated and saved over 2,500 pets; (6)
re-start the prison dog socialization/training program, which was dropped two years ago. Volunteers for this program transported dogs to the juvenile detention center. After proper training, the inmates were paired with one dog at a time. The dogs learned basic command skills and were socialized, and the inmates learned responsibility and empathy. (7)
Donate to any of the many groups who work diligently to make a difference.
Lastly, let's lay the blame squarely where it belongs. A community, which must euthanize 11,000 animals a year is a community with far too many irresponsible pet owners.
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
Sue Patterson is a member of the Animal Advocacy Coalition in Las Cruces.
Las Cruces Sun-News - Mandatory spay and neuter - not yet