Pet Overpopulation

[Beanjuice70 (MJ)]

Mandatory Spay/Neuter Policy for Cats and Dogs

Policy Overview:

All pet owners are required to spay or neuter their cats and dogs to address the ongoing crisis of pet overpopulation, reduce the suffering of homeless animals, and alleviate overcrowded shelters. Only licensed breeders may keep intact animals specifically for breeding purposes, and they are prohibited from selling intact cats and dogs. Breeders must obtain proper licensing and adhere to strict animal welfare standards.

Purpose and Justification:

Every year, millions of animals in shelters face euthanasia due to overpopulation. The high numbers of homeless pets contribute to overcrowded shelters, where animals suffer from inadequate resources, limited space, and the stress of confined living. Unregulated and “backyard” breeding further exacerbates this issue by flooding the pet population with animals without proper oversight, often leading to health and behavioral issues for these pets. This policy aims to:
1. Reduce Euthanasia Rates: By requiring spay/neuter procedures for all cats and dogs, the influx of unwanted pets into shelters will decrease, significantly reducing the need for euthanasia as a form of population control.
2. Eliminate Inhumane Breeding Practices: Limiting breeding to licensed breeders curbs “backyard” breeding, which often occurs in poor conditions and results in pets with serious health and behavioral issues. Licensed breeders will be held to high standards that promote the health and well-being of breeding animals and their offspring.
3. Decrease Shelter Overcrowding: Mandatory spay/neuter procedures will gradually decrease the number of homeless pets, allowing shelters to focus on quality care and increased adoption rates.

Policy Details:

• Mandatory Spaying and Neutering: All cats and dogs not owned by licensed breeders must be spayed or neutered by six months of age.
• Breeder Licensing: Individuals or businesses wishing to breed cats or dogs must obtain a breeder’s license. Licensing will require compliance with animal welfare standards and regular inspections. Licensed breeders are the only individuals permitted to keep intact animals.
• Prohibition on Selling Intact Animals: Licensed breeders may not sell intact (unspayed or unneutered) cats or dogs. This prevents the spread of unregulated breeding and promotes responsible pet ownership.

Expected Positive Outcomes:

• Improved Animal Welfare: Fewer animals suffering on the streets or in crowded shelters will lead to improved overall welfare for pets.
• Cost Savings for Communities: With reduced shelter intakes and euthanasia rates, municipalities and organizations will experience lower operational costs, allowing them to invest more in other community services.
• Healthier Pet Population: Spaying and neutering reduces certain health risks, such as reproductive cancers and infections, leading to healthier and longer lives for pets.

This policy is a necessary step in ensuring the humane treatment of pets, reducing unnecessary suffering, and fostering a more responsible pet ownership culture. It will also support shelters and communities in managing pet populations effectively and compassionately.

[White_Rose (Kim)]

We have a severe crisis in America w our animals. Ppl may not realize the true extent of the current situation. Ppl may not realize that animals make us independent they helped to forge this nation. It’s been stated that they r estimating 3 millions animals b euthanized this year. Wild horses being run down sold w donkeys to other countries etc for slaughtering. Cows being slaughtered not for food but bc they not jets give off too much carbon. Our farm ranch handlers under attack. Our animals r being tortured for fun amusement used as bait abandoned left right shelters r killing them by the ten of thousands daily. Anyone who knows there history knows the value of animals & the reason beside trains buffalos were really killed off so readily. They allowed the Indians independence freedom. Dogs serve r disabled police military farms. Horse donkeys dogs were the only ones at first to even make it into NC after the hurricane. I pray President Trump & his new administration address these abuses and enacts laws that will provide protection to our wild animals & pets. I’ve never in 50 years seen it so extensive and cruel.

[MV93 (Marla L Vaughn)]

I agree that there needs to be a solution to the over population problem of our animals in general. But, I don’t like the idea of performing surgery on small animals like cats and dogs because of the risk of introducing infections and the pain this surgery will cause the animals. However, we could implant a subcutaneous hormone disrupting device that keeps both male and female animals from producing eggs and sperm. This implant would not cause pain to insert and there would not be any risk of open abdominal surgery infections.

[Htuch (Hailey Tuchtenhagen)]

I agree that the everyday pets should be spayed or neutered as a general rule of thumb but I think the restrictions proposed are too stringent. There are several good reasons an animal (my only experience is with dogs) would remain intact or spaying/neutering would be delayed beyond leaving a breeder.

I can elaborate on my thoughts if you’re interested. If not, that’s cool. My general feedback would be it’s a solid foundation for a policy. I personally would hold off on voting for it as written because there might be a few gaps that need attention.