Positive steps toward solving the dog and cat overpopulation problem
April 25th, 2009 by admin
On Monday, the Fort Pierce City Commission gave final approval to an ordinance that will require people who don’t spay or neuter their animals to pay higher licensing fees (it will cost $75 to register and license unsterilized cats and dogs, compared to $10 for sterilized animals). St. Lucie County adopted a similar ordinance in 2007. Approx. 5,000 unwanted animals are killed each year at county shelters.
Please send a quick thank you to Fort Pierce Mayor Robert Benton (ask him to share your comments with the rest of the city commission). Fee differential ordinances can provide the gentle push that some people need to spay or neuter their dog or cat.
Contact:
Mayor Robert J. Benton, III
E-mail: rbenton@city-ftpierce.com
Last week, Holly Hill, a city in Volusia County, approved an ordinance that requires all healthy dogs and cats within the city limits to be spayed or neutered. The ordinance has exemptions for show dogs, service animals and police dogs, and for cats or dogs used for breeding (owners of these animals must purchase a $25 “unaltered permit”).
Before the vote, Volusia County Councilman Carl Persis addressed the city commission and challenged them to spend a day at the Halifax Humane Society, where over 10,000 animals are killed each year. A similar ordinance in Volusia County took effect in September 2008, but only applies to unincorporated areas of the county and not inside cities.
The ordinances aren’t perfect (we don’t think there are ANY valid reasons to intentionally breed animals when healthy, adoptable dogs and cats are being killed), but they will make a positive impact on the number of unwanted animals killed at shelters in Volusia County.
Please thank the Holly Hill City Commission for their compassionate decision.
Contact:Mayor Roland Via
E-mail: mayor@hollyhillfl.orgCommissioner John Penny
E-mail: clerk@hollyhillfl.orgCommissioner Rick Glass
E-mail: rickdglass@yahoo.comCommissioner Mark Reed
E-mail: clerk@hollyhillfl.orgCommissioner Liz Towsley
E-mail: daytonamarinemom@aol.com
Volusia County Councilman Carl Persis deserves a special thank-you for his continued efforts on behalf of dogs and cats in Volusia County!
Contact:
E-mail: cpersis@co.volusia.fl.us