Abilene Animal Services board considers pet sterilization mandate

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Abilene’s Animal Services Advisory Board met Wednesday afternoon to talk about ordinances involving prevalent animal-related problems within the city. While they discussed regulations for feral cat colonies and so-called backyard breeding, meeting attendees spent most of their time on the topic of cat and dog overpopulation.

“We would like for the city staff to explore the possibility of a mandatory spay and neuter… Statute for impounded animals,” Andrea Robison, chairperson for Abilene’s All Kind Animal Initiative, announced.

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Because overpopulation in cats and dogs have become a big problem in Abilene, the board proposed an ordinance to sterilize the homeless animals brought into the shelter either by animal control, voluntary release, or otherwise.

Both animal control and animal services said they make attempt to contact pet parents based on the animal’s microchip if available. Otherwise, residents will have three days to pick up their pets from the shelter before they are deemed strays. At which point, cats and dogs of four months and older would be spayed or neutered, and later be placed for adoption.

“In essence, there’s already been an initial violation,” explained Robison. “So, they’ve (presumed owners) already allowed their animal- they haven’t contained it, it’s been on the street. More than that, it’s been picked up, it’s been brought in to the shelter. So, we’re spending money to provide care for this animal. It’s already been out on the loose, so we know… it’s been able to directly contribute to the overpopulation problem by being unsterilized and by being free roaming.”

If you pick up your unsterilized pet from Abilene Animal Services within that 3-day window, Robison said the plan is to have you get that taken care of soon.

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“Basically, it would be an exact copy of what we’re already doing. We’re requiring a sterilization agreement when an animal leaves for adoption. It would be the same thing. We will be requiring a sterilization agreement when they are reclaimed,” Robison said.

Right now, when you adopt a cat or dog in Abilene, you’re given a voucher to have your new pet spayed or neutered. If that task isn’t completed within a certain amount of time, Animal Services of the Abilene Police Department could contact you with a warning that you have x amount of days to get this done or you’ll be served with a class C citation of up to $500.

The State of Texas mandates that pet parents have 30 days to get their new pet sterilized or 30 days after they reach sterilization age.

Exemptions to this mandate would include certain work animals, health risks, and being part of a licensed breeding program.

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This proposed ordinance is in its infancy at this time and no changes have been made within the City of Abilene. The board said they looked to other Texas cities where similar ordinances have been made and have been successful. After some additional research, the Abilene Animal Services Advisory Board will reconvene on June 5.

“Months matter in our population here,” added Dr. Andrew Houser, veterinarian at Frontier Vet Clinic and All Kind board member. “That’s why we need to get onto some of these ordinances quicker.”

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