FW: [petlaw] Daytona Beach, FL

From: pet-law@yahoogroups.com [mailto:pet-law@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Florence Blecher
Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 4:44 PM
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Local/
newWEST02020608.htm

February 06, 2008

Council to consider pressing for pet spay/neuter law

By JAMES MILLER
Staff Writer
The Volusia County Council likely will decide Thursday whether to
consider requiring pet owners to spay and neuter their animals.

Proposals in other counties and states sometimes have stirred intense
opposition, particularly from breeders and pet owners, who argue such
rules violate basic rights.

But proponents say mandatory spay-and-neuter rules would save
taxpayers money and reduce the number of unwanted animals killed in
shelters every year.

On average, about 10,865 animals were euthanized at the Halifax
Humane Society in each of the past six years. Adoptions averaged
3,252 each year during the same period.

The county and eight Volusia cities paid the organization more than
$624,000 for its services last year, records show.

"It's not something that would make a big impact overnight," said
County Councilman Carl Persis, who has pressed for a mandatory spay-
and-neuter ordinance. "But I think it's important that we take action
because if we don't, it's going to be more of the same. . . To me
that's shocking."

Persis said he hopes the council will ask county attorneys to draft
an ordinance for consideration. Attorneys have been researching laws
in other places since last year. He said he envisions new rules that
would apply only to the unincorporated areas, allowing city leaders
to follow suit should they choose.

He also envisions various exemptions, including exemptions for
breeders, police and guide dogs and animals that are not healthy
enough to be spayed or neutered. He said he doesn't want to add staff
members or aggressively seek out violators.

County Chairman Frank Bruno described a similar program. He said
public input would be allowed during the afternoon discussion.

Opponents in other places have cited numerous concerns, including
reduced licensing compliance and fewer rabies vaccinations, high
enforcement costs and the squeezing out of legitimate breeders.

Councilwoman Joie Alexander said the potential cost of adding
personnel and equipment was her primary concern.

"In the short term, we've got to pay the bills," she said. "There's
the balancing act. It will be an interesting discussion."

The discussion is not the only animal-related item on the council's
agenda Thursday.

The council also will hold the first of two public hearings on a
proposal that would raise the number of pets per owner from four to
five in the unincorporated area, while creating more detailed
guidelines for people who seek to care for and breed larger numbers
of animals.

The council also is scheduled to consider whether to renew its
contract with the Halifax Humane Society for the unincorporated area
and DeBary. The cost per animal will increase from $70 to $80 for a
three-day impoundment.

Officials say the organization subsidizes about 30 percent of the
cost for keeping -- and in many cases -- euthanizing each animal.

james.miller@news-jrnl.com