Advocacy Update: Senate Passes Spay/Neuter Bill!
Finally, There’s a Reason to Celebrate Tax Season!
Today, the Senate passed HB2523, a bill that would allow Arizona residents to make a voluntary contribution via a check off box to fund much-needed affordable spay/neuter services throughout Arizona. Led by AHS and members of the HLCA, HB2523 will next move to the Governor’s desk and await his signature.
Thank you to everyone who took action and reached out to their elected officials asking for support of Arizona’s animals!
HB 2523 will help the Animal Welfare community do many important things:
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- 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
Beginning next year, monies raised via this voluntary check off program will 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 12 percent increase in the number of spay and neuter surgeries performed, which in turn has resulted in a 39 percent decrease in shelter intake while euthanasia rates have plummeted 78 percent countywide.
UPDATE 4/19/17: Governor Doug Ducey Has Signed!
Thanks to the Arizona Legislature, animal advocates statewide now have a reason to celebrate next year’s tax season! Today, Governor Doug Ducey signed a bill that allows Arizona residents to make a voluntary contribution via a check off box to fund much-needed affordable spay/neuter services throughout Arizona, led by AHS and members of the Humane Legislative Coalition of Arizona! Thank you to everyone who took action and reached out to their elected officials asking for support of Arizona’s animals!