Agenda - 02-12-2013 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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E6181 rd B. Mandatory Sterilization: 1. Surveys: No local counties surveyed require mandatory sterilization of animals repeatedly recovered by their owners. The town of Asheville and Buncombe County have mandatory sterilization ordinances for all owned cats and dogs. All cats and dogs must be sterilized unless a permit has been purchased for $104, which is then good for the lifetime of the pet. Outside of North Carolina, there are a variety of approaches towards spaying /neutering (SIN) of animals. For example, Boulder, CO offers financial incentives to owners who allow their pets to be sterilized prior to recovery. There are animal organizations that do require mandatory sterilization of animals found running at large prior to recovery by the owner (Appendix B) . 2. Literature review: No studies were identified that reviewed the impact of mandatory SIN laws on recovery rates in stray dogs and cats. 3. Animal welfare organizations: Numerous organizations had posted commentaries on the internet opposing mandatory spay /neuter laws for owned pets, including the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, American Veterinary Medical Association, Nevada Humane Society, Alley Cat Allies, and FixAustin. There were no statements by organizations that specifically addressed mandatory sterilization of stray cats and dogs that are repeatedly recovered by their owners. 4. OCAS animal recovery statistics: OCAS stray cat statistics from 2007.2011 (Appendix D) revealed that 182 cats during this time were recovered by their owners. Of these, 531182 (29 %n) were reproductive, and 129/182 (71 %) were sterilized. 1751182 (97 %) were recovered by their owners once, and of these, 521176 (30 %) were reproductive and 1241176 (70 %n) were sterilized. Six cats were recovered twice. Of the six cats, 5/6 (83 %) were sterilized and 1/6 (17%) was reproductive. No cats were recovered by owners more than twice. OCAS stray dog statistics from 2007 -2011 (Appendix D) revealed that 1620 dogs were recovered by their owners. Of these, 910/1620 (56 %) were reproductive, and 710/1620 (44 %) were sterilized. 1494/1620 (92 %) were recovered by their owners once, and of these, 853/1494 (57 %) were reproductive and 641/1494 (43 %) were sterilized. 9011620 dogs (6%) were recovered twice, and of these, 41/90 (46 %) were reproductive and 49190 (54 %) were sterilized. 2211520 (1%) dogs were recovered three times, and of these, 11122 (50 %) were reproductive and 11122 (50 %) were sterilized. 911620 (0.5 %) dogs were recovered four times, and of these, 519 (56%) were reproductive and 419 (44 %) were sterilized. Two dogs were recovered five times (both sterilized), two dogs were recovered six times (both sterilized) and one dog was recovered seven times (sterilized). VI. Subcommittee Recommendations A. Microchip placement: Based on review of local and national practices as well as literature regarding animal recovery and microchip placement, the committee unanimously recommends that OCAS mandate microchip placement in all recovered cats and dogs at the owner's expense before the animal is returned to an owner.2 2 Note that microchip placement for adoptable cats and dogs became elective in July 2009 (the same year the new Animal Services Center opened) as a result of a required budget reduction of $42,968. Previously, each adopted animal received a microchip as part of the standard adoption fee. Staff made this recommendation because it was deemed less detrimental than the alternatives, e.g., reductions in the supplies required to shelter and care for homeless animals, reductions in the medical budget, or the erosion of the resources needed to continue to spay or neuter every adopted animal.