City acts to reduce pet overpopulation

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The numbers are staggering, according to Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry who wants to stop the euthanizing of thousands of animals a year at the city's two shelters.

But he said the city and its Animal Welfare Department can't do it alone.

The community will have to step up its efforts to control animal population, Berry said during a news conference Tuesday at the Westside Animal Shelter.

Last year alone nearly 27,000 animals were brought to its shelters, and more than 16,000 of those were adopted out. But that still left another 10,000 unwanted dogs and cats humanely killed by the shelters because homes for them could not be found.

The overpopulation of pets stresses shelter resources, which has prompted the city of offer a free spay-and-neuter program for low-income pet owners.

Managing the number of animals that can reproduce will be key to solving this problem, Dr. John Romero of Animal Welfare said.

"The community is essential that in order to make a difference, the same difference that’s been done in other communities across the country," Romero said. "Spaying and neuter has been the keystone for making that happen."

Animal Welfare may also start a low-cost program for pet owners of any income level later this year. Animal Humane New Mexico also offers spay-neuter services as do private veterinary clinics.

The current no-cost, low-cost options are:

Albuquerque Animal Welfare :

• No-cost spay/neuter available now. Low-income pet owners must qualify, and there is a waiting list although the city says it is working for the list quickly. Call the city information hotline at 311 to qualify.
• Starting in April no-cost vouchers will be issued for spay/neuter services provided by local veterinarians. Call 311 for information on qualifying.
• Late in 2010 or early in 2011 may also offer low-cost spay/neuter services to residents of any income level and the Animal Welfare Department Eastside Shelter.

Animal Humane New Mexico :

• Low-cost spay/neuter with a co-pay that varies depending on the animal. There is no waiting list. To find out if you qualify call 217-0330.