Dear Apple Valley City Council Members,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the high euthanasia rate of cats at the Apple Valley Animal Shelter. As a dedicated advocate for animal welfare, I believe immediate action is necessary to address this urgent issue.
The Issue:
The Apple Valley Animal Shelter currently has a near 93% euthanasia rate for cats. This statistic is not only alarming but also indicative of a larger problem that requires our attention and intervention.
Proposed Solutions:
To address this issue effectively, I propose the following measures:
1. Remove Cats from the Leash Law:
o Cats do not pose a threat to the citizens of Apple Valley. o Including cats in the leash law only increases the number of surrendered cats.
2. Implement a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program:
o TNR programs control feral cat populations by humanely trapping, sterilizing, and returning them to their habitats.
o This method stabilizes cat colonies and prevents new litters from overwhelming the shelter.
3. Offer Free Spay and Neuter Services to Residents:
o Providing affordable or free spay and neuter services prevents unplanned litters.
o This initiative would reduce the number of cats surrendered to the shelter.
Benefits:
By adopting these solutions, the council can significantly lower the euthanasia rate at the Apple Valley Animal Shelter. Additionally, these measures will promote responsible pet ownership and create a more humane community for our feline friends.
Call to Action:
I urge the council to consider these recommendations and take proactive steps to implement them. I know that implementing change takes work and is not free. If the council is not able to directly enact these changes, please provide to the public a statement identifying the changes you would support, and an indication of what needs must be met to make these things happen.
Thank you for your attention and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jeff Oxford