Springfield mulls fees for pregnant dogs and cats
By
Kyle Bosch
Story Created:
Aug 20, 2008
Story Updated:
Aug 20, 2008
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - Springfield may follow the lead of another Missouri city and impose a fee for having pregnant dogs or cats.
City Councilwoman Mary Collette, a strong advocate for responsible animal ownership, said Tuesday she will ask a council committee to review St. Joseph's pet ordinances.
Two new laws require St. Joseph pet owners to obtain a breeder's permit for $20 or a litter permit for $100 when their pets reproduce. St. Joseph animal control director Rick Smith says the permits have reduced the number of unwanted pets that end up at the city pound.
Fines for violating St. Joseph's litter permit law range from $100 to $500.
The ordinance requires all pets in town to be registered and immunized.
Collette also plans to discuss an ordinance that would fine people who abandon their pets.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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Thursday, Aug 21 at 12:45 PM Deborah Winchel wrote ...
I lived in North Carolina for awile and once a month they had a free spay/neuter clinic for both cats/dogs. I don't believe in puppy mills or breeders because of over population- what do breeders do with the puppies they can't sell? More unwanted animals left to live on the streets. Put those accused of neglect/abuse behind bars insteed of a slap on the wrist and fines. Usually strays are results of low-income-uneducated people wanting an animal they find out they can't afford to feed or house.
Thursday, Aug 21 at 8:38 AM Tammy wrote ...
The reporters are right; laws punish honest people and leave the irresponsible to do as they please. The organizations taking care of strays need money if they will do there job, but a permit is not the way to get it. Possible a small universal tax would help.
Thursday, Aug 21 at 7:43 AM Lou Ann wrote ...
I was unable to even get a call back from the SWMH when I had a sweet little pregnant stray cat at my door. I have taken in all of the strays that am able to handle. I had no other choice but to take this poor cat to the vet to be put to sleep. I think that we need spay neuter laws, better ways to deal with strays, and more low cost spay and neuter programs. The heartbreaking overpopulation problem will continue unless people are forced into being responsable.
Thursday, Aug 21 at 3:53 AM Rhonda wrote ...
Problem is Springfield makes it too diffacult to take care of strays.. We end up with some and they want a fee to drop it off, and no longer provides affordable services to have one fixed leaving many to reproduce.. Had one give birth , sorry, yes, can't help but to feed starving animal, and Humane Society wouldn't take because kitten sick, leaving it to suffer, wouldn't put down safely, said would die eventually, it did, but so sad, had mother fixed, they couldn't help with that either.. ??????
Wednesday, Aug 20 at 10:23 PM Sara wrote ...
Sorry Joe but Christine is right on this one! A litter Permit wont even come close to solving the over population issue. This is a severe problem that needs to start with the owner. Legislation should be passed for ALL pet owners (other than reputable breeder)to have their animals spayed and neutered for FREE.
Wednesday, Aug 20 at 10:17 PM anonamous wrote ...
There are too many stray cats and dogs around to do that. It wouldn't work.
Wednesday, Aug 20 at 10:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...
This won't work...The problem is the stray population. Most pet owners are responsible and get their pets fixed.
Wednesday, Aug 20 at 10:14 PM Wendi B wrote ...
Having worked with a vet for a number of years, the rule of thumb is use it or lose it. Having the reproductive system in place and non- functiontioning leaves the door open for a number of ailments not the least of which is cancer. For the sake and health of the animal it is in their best interest to spay/neuter unless you intend to breed. And with as many animals need good homes, the breeding should be left to those who are not casual or careless about it.
Wednesday, Aug 20 at 10:22 AM Sandy M. wrote ...
If this is a serious concern, the first step is to stop the dog pimps selling puppies outside WalMarts.
Wednesday, Aug 20 at 9:58 AM shelly wrote ...
i think that this is the most stupid thing i have ever heard of. What are the city leaders going to do about the stray cats and dogs that are running around in my neighborhood that reproduce like flies the city pound doesn't do anything about them i have called them numorous times and they just tell me that they can't do anything about it so maybe if they do their job i might back the new tax.
Wednesday, Aug 20 at 9:26 AM Bekki Layman wrote ...
That's all well and good for pet owners, but as usual, Ms. Collette doesn't think things through. My neighborhood has so many stray cats that a few years ago they "harvested" them up, fixed them, and brought them back. Problem was, many escaped down the sewers. Our problem lies in the fact that the animal control won't pick an animal up unless it's had a call on it. So I see trucks driving by all day, and cats roaming all night. Fix the feral cat problem.
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