The first thing that has to happen if we are to reduce the number of animals dying is to reduce the number of animals entering the shelter.  Take a look at some of the numbers from 2004.

2004 TLAC Statistics Summary

22,564 dogs and cats taken into TLAC
2,893 dogs and cats returned to their owners (13%)
4,353 dogs and cats adopted (20%)
2,639 dogs release to rescue groups (12%)
12,201 dogs and cats killed (55%)

There are some things to note about the numbers.  First of all, 22,564 dogs and cats is an incredible number.  This is the start of the problem.

Second, only 13% of these dogs and cats were returned to owners.  What becomes obvious is Austin has too many homeless pets.  But maybe less obvious is the notion that Austin also needs to do a better job of keeping up with the animals in the city limits.  City registration is a law, however is very loosely enforced.  Veterinarians are not required to even mention city registration much less sell registration to all of their clients.  Part of the solution to reducing the number of dying animals is to get more of them back home.

The 12,201 dogs and cats killed does include animals that are not considered adoptable.  This may be for medical reasons, disposition, aggression, etc.  Again, we are looking at a problem of too many animals that are not being adequately cared for by people.  It is safe to assume that a very large number of the animals seized by animal control are just wild or stray animals.  They are not someone's pet but they are the result of people allowing animals to go unaltered and produce more and more homeless animals.

So what need to happen is a combination of things.  First of all, the City of Austin needs to make a commitment to fighting this problem.  We have to mandate that companion animals be neutered.  We must also commit to the city registration and keeping up with our pets.

Contact your Austin City Council Member and tell them you support spay/neuter legislation.  Let them know that the pet overpopulation is truly a problem.

You can find contact information for Austin City Council at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/default.htm.