A Proposal to Reduce Kitty Litters
A severe overpopulation of unwanted cats has prompted the Orange County Animal Control Department to propose that all adopted cats be sterilized before leaving the shelter.
Under the plan, people adopting the cats would pay a $20 charge to cover the cost of the procedure, which would be performed by private veterinarians.
More than 10,000 cats are left at the animal shelter annually, and county health officers pick up about 5,000 dead cats a year from highways and roads, according to a report released Wednesday.
About 2,700 cats a year are adopted at the county animal shelter, which charges a $10 fee--refundable if the cat is then sterilized. Officials estimate that only about 20% to 25% of the adopted cats are spayed or neutered.
Judy Maitlen, the shelter’s animal control director, said veterinarians have discounted their normal sterilization fees to make the program cost-effective for pet owners.
The Board of Supervisors will consider the plan next week.
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