Advocacy Update: Contact Your Senator!

A Bill That Would Raise Funds for Spay/Neuter Services in Arizona is Now Moving Through the Arizona Senate!

Sponsored by Representative Drew John, House Bill 2523, would use the voluntary tax check off program to raise much-needed funding for spay/neuter services for low-income Arizona families. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the Senate on Thursday, and we need you to contact your Senator by Wednesday at 5 p.m. and ask them to please support HB2523.

Click here to determine your legislative district and find your Senator’s name and contact information here.

Be sure to mention that you are a resident in their district and let them know how important spay/neuter initiatives are to our community and you are asking for their support of HB2523.

HB 2523 would do many important things:

• Curb pet overpopulation and shelter costs
• Reduce municipal tax burdens due to animal control
• Reduce euthanasia of adoptable cats and dogs
• Protect human health against bites from aggressive/stray animals
• Reduce dangers on roadways due to loose animals

Voluntary spay/neuter contributions would raise much-needed funding to support low-income Arizona families. Monies raised via this voluntary check off program would be administered at no additional cost through an existing fund.

Spay and neuter programs are the most cost effective use of scarce animal care and control resources by preventing problems before they occur. The costs associated with picking up strays, providing medical care and, sadly, sometimes euthanasia, are all eliminated as is the suffering endured by these unwanted animals.

Over the past three years in Maricopa County, there has been a 15 percent increase in the number of spay and neuter surgeries performed, which in turn has resulted in a 38 percent decrease in shelter intake while euthanasia rates have plummeted 71 percent countywide.

Be a Voice For Animals