1. $3,100,000 is the current budget for Animal Control and is steadily rising.
2. In the last year alone, 26,354 animals were impounded. Of those, 21,083 were euthanized. That is a staggering 80% of all impounded animals that were killed!
3. Indiscriminate breeding and unplanned pregnancies greatly contribute to the steady overflow of animals entering the shelter system.
4. The only satisfactory resolution is to ensure all pets are spayed and neutered.
We must begin to understand that the standard practice of “catch and kill” is not the ethical, humane, or most cost effective way to stem the flow of unwanted pets. Kern County taxpayers spend an average of $118.00 per animal impounded. For roughly the same cost per animal to spay and neuter, we can drastically reduce the numbers of animals who could potentially enter the shelter system. We must put an end to the destruction of our companion animal and through this shared commitment, save many innocent lives.
Therefore, I/we the undersigned respectfully request that the Board of Supervisors to enact a County funded spay/neuter program available to the public.
Together, we can make a difference…
