Proposed Bill Will Save Both Lives of Animals and Money

Raise-Your-PawEvery minute about eight dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, due to a lack of available homes. In addition, our country spends between $100 and $400 per animal to pick up and care for stray animals – before euthanizing many of them at taxpayer expense. As a lover of animals and a taxpayer, I’m writing today to spread the word about a way we can all help reduce the number of animals killed each year and save millions of dollars in the process. I’m talking about House Bill 1501, which creates the Indiana Companion Animal Spay/Neuter Fund.

This bill establishes a fund so that low income Hoosiers can have their pets spayed and neutered at no charge. Veterinarians who agree to provide this service are reimbursed for each procedure through this fund. Expensive? In reality creating this fund would save Indiana taxpayers money as it reduces the financial burden of containing, caring for and then destroying unwanted animals. Other states that have implemented successful spay/neuter programs have saved taxpayers $3 for every $1 spent on the program and they’ve reduced the senseless killing of homeless pets.

I’ve seen this burden firsthand as a founder of Lakeshore PAWS, an animal rescue organization in Porter County. Since May of 2011, we’ve rescued more than 500 dogs and cats who would otherwise have lived in cages or been euthanized. We know that it costs up to $400 to rescue each animal. Sadly, we can’t save them all because more unwanted animals are born each day. We’re aware of the research that demonstrates that many of these animals are born because their owners can’t afford to sterilize their pets and they also can’t afford to feed the additional puppies and kittens.

To support these animals, support House Bill 1501. Sign our petition by visiting www.raiseyourpaw.org and let your legislators know that you’re in favor of this bill. Won’t you raise your hand in favor of this legislation that benefits both animals and taxpayers at the same time?