Implement Spay/Neuter Ordinance in DeKalb County
Implement Spay/Neuter Ordinance in DeKalb County
The Issue
During a recent visit to DeKalb's animal shelter, I witnessed a heartbreaking scene. Hundreds of loving, beautiful dogs, living in their own feces and urine. The shelter is doing its best, but these dogs, a representation of our community's compassion, deserve to have loving families, not a shelter.
In July, DeKalb's animal shelter, with a capacity of 475, received a staggering 1,000 animals. This overpopulation is partially due to unchecked private breeding in DeKalb County. It is time we address this issue, for the animals, and for the people who care for them.
We advocate for an effective solution - the implementation of a spay/neuter ordinance with penalties for noncompliance. We also propose that breeders should be licensed.
We can draw inspiration from Floyd County Commission, which approved a spay and neuter ordinance last year - evidence that it can be done. Proactive policies reduce needless animal suffering and also temper the strain on our county's resources.
This is not just a plea, it's necessary reform. DeKalb county, we urge you to take action for a more humane future for our animals. Let's protect those unable to protect themselves. Sign this petition to amplify the voices calling for responsible breeding and spaying/neutering laws.
We also support:
-Government assistance to eliminate the cost of procedures for those who can’t afford it. We recognize these laws will not work unless free or very low-cost spay/neuter options are provided. This is typically the main argument against such laws. However, it is important to note that our county has been offering free services to those in need since 2015. It is not working on its own.
https://form.jotform.com/240465875432158
-Increased animal control services to enforce legislation.
-Exemptions from spay/neutering for animals that may be at risk for complications.
-Timeframes and requirements that consider the needs of all breeds.
-Alternative options that satisfy requirements, like tubal ligation and vasectomies. (These procedures leave dogs intact, and don’t affect hormones.)
-Non-breed specific licenses for breeding.
-Money collected from fines, going to the shelter or to animal services.
*We ask DeKalb to perform an audit to confirm funding is going to the right place.
Resources:
Millions of pets were not spayed/neutered during Covid:
https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/millions-of-pets-werent-spayed-and-neutered-during-the-pandemic-and-thats-a-big-problem/
What the Humane Society says about spay/neuter (Your pet can live longer!):
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-you-should-spayneuter-your-pet
Georgia has one of the highest euthanasia rates:
Arguments Debunked.
-How do we keep track of dogs that are spayed/neutered if a veterinarian cannot even tell by looking at them?
A. Your dog gets documentation and a tag when they get vaccinated for rabies. There are easy ways to show proof of a procedure.
-What if we end up with a lack of dogs in the shelter?
A. That is the goal. No dog should have to live in a shelter. These animals were created and bred to be our companions. They are so, so, sad to be in cages. If you don’t believe me, please visit the shelter. There will always be lost dogs that need to be reunited, and dogs that are born that don’t follow ordinances. This is a chronic problem that has been going on for years, and a lack of dogs is the least of our worries.
-I’m a responsible owner and I watch my dog.
A. You may watch your dog and be a fantastic owner. But it only takes one moment for your dog to get out and get busy. Animals are driven by their instinct and can be very determined to reproduce.
-It is my animal’s right to reproduce.
A. If you feel that way, then apply and pay a fee for a breeding license. If someone cannot afford a reasonable fee, it brings up the question, how are these animals being cared for? You must be able to pay for food, and provide medical care if necessary, for puppies.
-Only bad dogs are being euthanized.
A. False. Many dogs are showing signs of stress because of the environment in the shelter. These signs of stress can be viewed as traits less likely to get them adopted, and then they make the list. It just takes the right owner to be matched with the right dog. Let’s give all dogs a chance to be adopted out by decreasing shelter numbers.
Still opposed? Didn’t sign? We would love to know why.
Please email: gooddoggie2024@gmail.com
with your feedback.
1,049
The Issue
During a recent visit to DeKalb's animal shelter, I witnessed a heartbreaking scene. Hundreds of loving, beautiful dogs, living in their own feces and urine. The shelter is doing its best, but these dogs, a representation of our community's compassion, deserve to have loving families, not a shelter.
In July, DeKalb's animal shelter, with a capacity of 475, received a staggering 1,000 animals. This overpopulation is partially due to unchecked private breeding in DeKalb County. It is time we address this issue, for the animals, and for the people who care for them.
We advocate for an effective solution - the implementation of a spay/neuter ordinance with penalties for noncompliance. We also propose that breeders should be licensed.
We can draw inspiration from Floyd County Commission, which approved a spay and neuter ordinance last year - evidence that it can be done. Proactive policies reduce needless animal suffering and also temper the strain on our county's resources.
This is not just a plea, it's necessary reform. DeKalb county, we urge you to take action for a more humane future for our animals. Let's protect those unable to protect themselves. Sign this petition to amplify the voices calling for responsible breeding and spaying/neutering laws.
We also support:
-Government assistance to eliminate the cost of procedures for those who can’t afford it. We recognize these laws will not work unless free or very low-cost spay/neuter options are provided. This is typically the main argument against such laws. However, it is important to note that our county has been offering free services to those in need since 2015. It is not working on its own.
https://form.jotform.com/240465875432158
-Increased animal control services to enforce legislation.
-Exemptions from spay/neutering for animals that may be at risk for complications.
-Timeframes and requirements that consider the needs of all breeds.
-Alternative options that satisfy requirements, like tubal ligation and vasectomies. (These procedures leave dogs intact, and don’t affect hormones.)
-Non-breed specific licenses for breeding.
-Money collected from fines, going to the shelter or to animal services.
*We ask DeKalb to perform an audit to confirm funding is going to the right place.
Resources:
Millions of pets were not spayed/neutered during Covid:
https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/millions-of-pets-werent-spayed-and-neutered-during-the-pandemic-and-thats-a-big-problem/
What the Humane Society says about spay/neuter (Your pet can live longer!):
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-you-should-spayneuter-your-pet
Georgia has one of the highest euthanasia rates:
Arguments Debunked.
-How do we keep track of dogs that are spayed/neutered if a veterinarian cannot even tell by looking at them?
A. Your dog gets documentation and a tag when they get vaccinated for rabies. There are easy ways to show proof of a procedure.
-What if we end up with a lack of dogs in the shelter?
A. That is the goal. No dog should have to live in a shelter. These animals were created and bred to be our companions. They are so, so, sad to be in cages. If you don’t believe me, please visit the shelter. There will always be lost dogs that need to be reunited, and dogs that are born that don’t follow ordinances. This is a chronic problem that has been going on for years, and a lack of dogs is the least of our worries.
-I’m a responsible owner and I watch my dog.
A. You may watch your dog and be a fantastic owner. But it only takes one moment for your dog to get out and get busy. Animals are driven by their instinct and can be very determined to reproduce.
-It is my animal’s right to reproduce.
A. If you feel that way, then apply and pay a fee for a breeding license. If someone cannot afford a reasonable fee, it brings up the question, how are these animals being cared for? You must be able to pay for food, and provide medical care if necessary, for puppies.
-Only bad dogs are being euthanized.
A. False. Many dogs are showing signs of stress because of the environment in the shelter. These signs of stress can be viewed as traits less likely to get them adopted, and then they make the list. It just takes the right owner to be matched with the right dog. Let’s give all dogs a chance to be adopted out by decreasing shelter numbers.
Still opposed? Didn’t sign? We would love to know why.
Please email: gooddoggie2024@gmail.com
with your feedback.
1,049
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Petition created on August 16, 2024