Steep Budget Cuts Will Increase Pet Population and Strain Area Shelters

By Mary Hudgins, Best Friends Network Volunteer

The city of Los Angeles’ budget woes have lead to the suspension of discount coupons for spay/neuter program. The cut of $150,000 from the budget of the Los Angeles Animal Services Department (LAAS) has led to the suspension.

LA recently mandated animals over a certain age be spayed or neutered. To help low-income residents with the costs of surgeries, the Spay and Neuter Voucher Program was devised. Coupons are good for a $30 discount or a $70 free surgery.

With puppy and kitten season upon us, officials are worried the suspension of the coupon program will cause an alarming increase of strays in shelters.

“In the months since instituting the strongest spay and neuter ordinance in the nation, we’ve seen incredible increases in the number of surgeries performed, and it’s critical that we immediately reinstate the city’s low-cost and free voucher program to help our community members comply with the law,” said Councilman Richard Alarcon.

“The spay and neuter voucher program is a smart investment in our city that will reduce Animal Service’s costs over the long run and continue to move Los Angeles towards our ultimate goal of being a humane, no-kill city.”

Several LA city council members have introduced a motion calling for the reinstatement of the program. “Although the City faces extreme budget challenges, this decision is an error in fiscal and moral judgment,” said Councilman Dennis P. Zine. “Reductions in preventative services such as spay/neuter programs are shortsighted and will undoubtedly cost more in the long run, both in dollars and in cases of needlessly homeless animals. When compared to the approximate $200 cost of impounding an animal in a LAAS shelter, the coupon program makes economic sense.”

How You Can Help
Please contact the LA City Council to support the motion calling for the reinstatement of the program.

Stock photo by Clay Myers, Best Friends Staff
Posted by Cheri Moon, Best Friends Staff