Louisiana: Ouachita Parish Committee to Consider Mandatory Spay/Neuter

AKC Government Relations has just learned that the recently-formed Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter Citizens’ Advisory Committee will consider mandatory spay/neuter and breeder licensing recommendations at its meeting tonight.  It is imperative that all concerned Ouachita Parish residents, members of AKC-affiliated clubs, and fanciers and enthusiasts in the area appear at tonight’s public meeting and express opposition to the proposal.

AKC’s Position on Breeding Regulations and Restrictions:  The American Kennel Club strongly supports and actively promotes a wide range of programs to educate the public about responsible purebred breeding practices and the responsibilities of dog ownership.  The AKC supports reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of dogs and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who meet their responsibilities.  The AKC opposes the concept of breeding permits, breeding bans or mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs, specifically those based on the number of dogs owned or maintained.  The AKC expects responsible dog owners and breeders to know, understand and obey laws that apply to them.

AKC’s Position on Spaying and Neutering: The American Kennel Club opposes laws that mandate the spaying/neutering of dogs.Spaying/Neutering are major surgeries and the decision to spay or neuter a dog should be made by the dog’s owner in conjunction with their veterinarian. Recent scientific studies demonstrate that spaying/neutering, particularly before a dog is fully mature, may result in detrimental long term health impacts. In light of this information, AKC encourages breeders, owners and veterinarians to consult on the appropriateness and timing of spaying or neutering an individual dog.

Mandatory spay/neuter is an ineffective solution to animal control problems because it fails to address the heart of animal control issues—irresponsible ownership.  These laws are extremely difficult to enforce and are often easily evaded.  These laws most often unfairly punish responsible owners who already comply with local animal control laws, while irresponsible owners continue to make problems for the community and local shelters.  Mandatory spay/neuter ordinances also drastically increase enforcement costs.

A more reasonable alternative for Ouachita Parish is enforcement and strengthening of current Chapter 3 of the Compiled Ordinances that deal with animals.  Instead of seeking one animal control solution for all species, alternatives should separately address dog, cat, and other species population issues; and should include understanding the sources of Parish shelter intakes, including those that come from outside the Parish.

What You Can Do:
Concerned Ouachita Parish residents and members of AKC-affiliated clubs and other fanciers and enthusiasts in the area are strongly encouraged to attend tonight’s public meeting of the Animal Shelter Citizens’ Advisory Committee and express opposition to mandatory spay/neuter recommendations.  The meeting will take place at 6:00PM at the Ouachita Valley Branch Library, 601 McMillan Road (off Thomas Road), West Monroe, LA 71291.

Ouachita Parish residents are also encouraged to begin contacting the Ouachita Parish Police Jurors, who will consider recommendations ultimately made by the Animal Shelter Citizens’ Advisory Committee.  Respectfully let them know that you oppose radical mandatory spay/neuter laws.

Police Juror, District A – Mr. Scotty Robinson, Police Juror President
Phone: 318-355-4260
Email: srobinson@oppj.org

Police Juror, District B – Mr. Jack Clampit
Phone: 318-366-4199
Email: catfishjack@hotmail.com

Police Juror, District C – Mr. Walt Caldwell
Phone: 318-396-0540

Police Juror, District D – Dr. Ollibeth Reddix, D.D.S.
Email: reddixdentalclinic@aol.com

Police Juror, District E – Mr. Shane Smiley
Phone: 318-366-1156
Email: ssmiley@oppj.org

Police Juror, District F – Ms. Pat Moore
Phone: 318-366-0795
Email: pmoore03@comcast.net

The AKC’s Government Relations Department will continue to provide updates on Ouachita Parish as developments warrant.  For more information, contact AKC Government Relations at 919-816-3720, or email doglaw@akc.org.

Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=111447

Posted by chesliepickett on Sep 2 2016. Filed under Breaking News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.