Staff Report
As Hays County’s regional animal shelter continues to struggle with overcrowding, the county is urging residents to spay and neuter their pets in order to significantly reduce pet overpopulation, unwanted litters and overcrowded shelters.
During the Feb. 1 commissioners court meeting, the commissioners unanimously voted to adopt a proclamation recognizing February as Spay/Neuter Awareness Month in the county in order to bring more community awareness to the importance of spaying and neutering pets.
The court previously approved a “no kill” initiative by signing a resolution in 2018, and also endorses the Trap-Neuter-Return method of free-roaming community cats.
Health benefits of spaying/neutering pets:
• Prevents pregnancy and complications arising from pregnancy and delivery
• Eliminates the heat cycle
• Reduces the urge to roam
• Reduces or eliminates the possibility of disease in the reproductive system
• Reduces the risk of mammary cancer
• Eliminates testicular tumors and reduces prostate gland problems
• Stops or reduces territorial marking behavior in cats
Judge Ruben Becerra said that spaying and neutering pets will help reduce the number of animals impounded at San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter (SMRAS), which has been at critical overcrowding capacity for many weeks. The shelter is the only open intake facility serving all Hays County residents, and the county pays a portion of the operating costs.
During the Feb. 1 meeting, Sharri Boyett, Animal Advocacy Advisor and Community Liaison of Hays County, reported that SMRAS impounded 4,059 animals during Fiscal Year 2021, of which 31% (1,524) were from unincorporated areas of Hays County.
“We encourage all Hays County residents to continue helping to minimize the number of homeless cats and dogs impounded by the shelter each year by spaying/neutering their pets, sponsoring spays/neuters and donating to local animal welfare organizations,” Pct. 1 commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe said. “All of those things will help the shelter’s resources go much further.”
Dianne Welker, vice chair of the Animal Shelter Advisory Community of Hays County, said that the spaying/neutering of cats can drastically reduce the number of kittens who are taken to the shelter each year.
“Between the two organizations with whom I’m an active neonatal foster, we see an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 litters of kittens annually,” Welker said. “For each cat that is spayed, we can prevent another 10 to 15 kittens in shelters, which will make a difference in the lives of all animals in the county.”
Hays County residents who are in need of a low-cost or free spay/neuter surgery can visit the PALS (Prevent A Litter) of Central Texas website at www.preventalitter.com to find out if they qualify.
