At the beginning of the year 2000, I had to write a paper for school in which I would join an interest group and come up with new legislation.  I thought I would pass along an edited version of what I had learned, my opinions on the matter of the euthanization of animals, and my new legislation.

An estimated 6 to 8 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in shelters.  Currently, this is how society is dealing with the overpopulation of these animals.  Today, a more humane and efficient proposal is being made.  A Texas state mandate that will require the spaying and neutering of all adopted pets.  In other words, a ban on inhumane euthanization of animals.  Today, only three shelters and the City of Austin have no-kill facilities and are already enacting this proposal; the Animal Adoption Center of Garland, Operation Kindness, and the Humane Society of Austin.  This legislation will also distribute all fines collected due to rulings of animal cruelty amongst approved animal shelters, instead of going to the state.

It is time for society to quit dealing with this problem retroactively and deal with it proactively.  Not only is the euthanization of 6 to 8 million animals inhumane, but it is not even making a dent in solving the problem, when “one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years” and “one female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 offspring in six years”.  The ratification of this proposal will bring about a slow but tremendous result.  “The City of Austin has adopted a five-year plan to become a ‘No-kill’ city in hopes of decreasing the number of adoptable animals euthanized each year by the city run, tax funded” shelter.  They plan to take in an additional 500 adoptable animals each year of the plan in an effort to give this new plan a jumpstart.  It is inevitable that a temporary increase in animal population will occur but it is sure to be followed with a very sizable and notable decrease.  By spaying and neutering cats and dogs, society will be dealing with the problem proactively and reaching the root of the problem.

The cost of this new legislation is amazing; it will actually save taxpayers money compared to the current solution.  The truth is, it currently costs taxpayers an estimated 100 to 150 dollars to round up, euthanize, and dispose of each of these unwanted animals.  That totals to be “an estimated $2 billion each year”.  Whereas, the spaying and neutering of these animals, costs the taxpayers nothing.  The cost of inoculation, and spaying or neutering, is included in the adoption fee, which costs only $55 for each cat and $65 for each dog, at the Animal Adoption Center of Garland.  This new legislation will save taxpayers money and even though this legislation will not start providing funding through tax dollars for these animal shelters, it will allocate monies collected from rulings of animal cruelty to reputable animal shelters, like the Animal Adoption Center of Garland, Operation Kindness, and the Human Society of Austin.  This money will be given to the shelter with the purpose of helping them expand their resources and their ability to care for more animals. 

With this in mind it is hard to believe that anyone would even consider disposing of these healthy, loving, life-long friends, with this wonderful alternative.  One reason might be due to the lack of planning and consideration of this matter.  Since, the overpopulation of animals is not a human-life-threatening issue, it is very likely that this issue has been put on the back burner, and unfortunately for these animals, for way too long.  Another reason is due in part that these animal shelters are independent, non-profit organizations that operate solely on donations and do not receive any government funding.  Due to the lack of funding and resources, the issue of overpopulation of animals is not a well-publicized issue. 

The SPCA, the Humane Society, Operation Kindness, adoption centers like the Animal Adoption Center of Garland, and animal right activists will rise together in support for this new legislation.  By becoming a coalition, we will join resources and gain influence.  We will gain attention through our monthly and quarterly newsletters, the Internet, and free media. Together we will plead with the Legislators and push for the ratification of this humane and just legislation for a large part of our community, “Man’s Best Friend”.  

This may not be a human-life-threatening issue, but it is a life-threatening issue for our animals and it is time that corrective action be taken.  By implementing a humane, proactive policy, Texas will be fixing the overpopulation problem instead of trying to unsuccessfully delete it.  Please join us in our efforts to improve the quality of life for our citizens; human, canine, and feline.  Show that Texas cares about its animals and how they are cared for.