The city’s plan to spay and neuter all pets it adopts out is a good one.
Although the program – which still must be approved in next year’s budget process – will double adoption fees, there is plenty of value in the extra costs.
Thanks to a deal worked out with the local veterinary community, the proposed $200 fee for cats ($220 for dogs), will include the cost of sterilization, vaccines, an identifying microchip and deworming.
According to a report prepared by animal services supervisor Jody Kondrat, the services mentioned above can cost upward of $600, depending on the vet.
Responsible pet owners will see an immediate savings on having their animals fixed.
As former Price is Right host Bob Barker used to say, having your pets spayed and neutered does help control the pet population.
But a quick look on Kijiji shows not everyone is following his advice. There are dozens of local ads offering free kittens to good homes.
Perhaps the city should pass a bylaw forbidding animal transactions without a special permit. That might stem the tide and make owners take more responsibility with their pets.
Hopefully the increased fees help decrease the number of strays the city is forced to pick up and ultimately euthanize – more than 1,150 in 2009 alone.
Although the program – which still must be approved in next year’s budget process – will double adoption fees, there is plenty of value in the extra costs.
Thanks to a deal worked out with the local veterinary community, the proposed $200 fee for cats ($220 for dogs), will include the cost of sterilization, vaccines, an identifying microchip and deworming.
According to a report prepared by animal services supervisor Jody Kondrat, the services mentioned above can cost upward of $600, depending on the vet.
Responsible pet owners will see an immediate savings on having their animals fixed.
As former Price is Right host Bob Barker used to say, having your pets spayed and neutered does help control the pet population.
But a quick look on Kijiji shows not everyone is following his advice. There are dozens of local ads offering free kittens to good homes.
Perhaps the city should pass a bylaw forbidding animal transactions without a special permit. That might stem the tide and make owners take more responsibility with their pets.
Hopefully the increased fees help decrease the number of strays the city is forced to pick up and ultimately euthanize – more than 1,150 in 2009 alone.
