SPAY/NEUTER OF DOGS AND CATS

Pet overpopulation is a serious problem in the U.S. Sadly; there are millions of dogs and cats in the U.S. than there are homes available.

Startling facts and figures:
A six-year-old female dog can be the source of 67,000 puppies.
A seven-year-old female cat can be the source of 420,000 kittens.

You can help to keep from exacerbating the overpopulation problem by having your dog spayed or neutered. The procedure is simple and painless while done under general anesthesia. In most cases the animal can return home the same day.

In an effort to curb pet overpopulation and reduce the staggering numbers of unwanted animals at shelters and in rescues, we encourage all pet owners to spay or neuter their pets.

There are a number of important reasons to have you pet spayed and neutered:
It increases your pet’s chances for a longer, healthier life by reducing the incidence of certain cancers such as breast cancer and eliminating uterine, ovarian and testicular cancer.

A sterilized pet is a better pet. They are less likely to wander and get injured while looking for mates.

Males who are neutered early in life are less likely to be aggressive. Females avoid the messy heat cycle and the barrage of amorous males at your doorstop.

Altered pets cannot contribute to the epidemic of overpopulation from accidental breeding thus reducing the number of animals surrendered to shelters every day.

Altered pets are less aggressive toward other dogs and cats, are less likely to urine mark and wander, and generally have better personalities

Many people have excuses for not having their pets altered:
Some may think that their pet will get fat and lazy. Although spaying and neutering may diminish the pet’s overall activity level, tendency to wander, and increase appetite, pets that become fat and lazy after being altered are usually overfed and under exercised.

Some may be concerned that their pet’s personality will change, but any change would be for the better.

Finally, many people are concerned about the risks of anesthesia. Although there is always a slight risk involved, the anesthetics currently used by veterinarians are very safe.

Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats.

Mesquite City Ordinance
10-7-1: MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTER OF DOGS AND CATS:

Subject to the exceptions provided in this chapter, no person shall harbor within the city of Mesquite any dog or cat over the age of six (6) months that has not been spayed or neutered. For purposes of this section and chapter, “harbor” means legal ownership, of the providing of regular care or shelter, protection, refuge or nourishment, or medical treatment; provided however that the term shall not include the providing of nourishment to a stray or feral cat or dog. (Ord. 433, 1-26-2010, eff. 3-1-2010)

10-7-2: EXCEPTIONS TO SPAY/NEUTER REQUIREMENTS:

A. The spay/neuter requirement set forth in section 10-7-1 of this chapter shall not apply if a licensed veterinarian certifies in writing and under oath that a specific dog or cat is medically unfit to undergo the required spay or neuter procedure because of a physical condition that would be substantially aggravated by such procedure or would likely cause the animal’s death. The certification shall indicate the medical basis therefor and whether the unsuitability is permanent or temporary. If temporary, the certificate shall indicate the period of time anticipated that the unsuitability will last. For an exemption to apply beyond that period, a new certificate must be obtained.

B. The spay/neuter requirement set forth in section 10-7-1 of this chapter shall not apply to animals harbored by a pound, shelter, humane society or similar organization, whether public or private, the principal purpose of which is securing the adoption of dogs or cats provided that such organization has a policy and rules requiring the spaying or neutering of all dogs and cats placed for adoption by such organization.

C. The spay/neuter requirement set forth in section 10-7-1 of this chapter shall not apply to any dog or cat harbored by a person holding a valid dog or cat fancier’s permit, as provided in sections 10-3-4 and 10-3-5 of this title.

D. The spay/neuter requirement set forth in section 10-7-1 of this chapter shall not apply to any dog or cat that has received appropriate training, is certified by a recognized agency if such certification is required by the recognizing agency and is being used:

1. By a law enforcement agency for law enforcement activities;
2. By a search and rescue agency for search and rescue activities;
3. As a service animal, such as a guide animal, hearing animal, assistance animal, seizure alert animal, or social/therapy animal. (Ord. 433, 1-26-2010, eff. 3-1-2010)

WillowFeatured Dog: Willow
Just look at that smile – this young lady just loves everyone! She would make an excellent family dog or even a work buddy. She is very gentle and has beautiful manners and with her soft coat she is the cuddliest girl around! Looking for a dog that’ll light up your life? Willow is your girl! This sweet little miss is a bundle of joy, super smart and loves to learn. At the end of the day, she wouldn’t mind a curling up with you while you catch up on all your favorite TV shows. Found as a stray, Willow loves being around people and getting attention. Medium size about 1-2 years old.

Other Available dogs- No other dogs available at this time

Mason 1Featured Cat Meet Mason! He is quite possibly one of the sweetest cats I’ve ever met! He loves new people, and thinks everything is exciting! Mason’s favorite thing in the world is to get attention. He will purr all day if you pet him! The first time we met, I tried to get his picture. He wanted nothing to do with it because he just wanted to be close to me! Mason will do great in any quiet home where he flourish as the center of attention. Mason was found as a stray. He had a black collar with a bell on it but no one came looking for him. He is a wonderful boy, very active and loves to play with toys. He is neutered and has had his rabies shot.

Truffles _6937

Truffles

sunshine 3

Sunshine

Locket 1

Locket


Other Available Cats

Truffles- beautiful white and gray swirled coat. Knows her name and comes when called
Sunshine- Long hair white with black tail and head. Should be only cat in home.
Locket- Bright colored calico with unusual markings.

All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximated.

The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 11am until 1 pm, Monday through Saturday, Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call 702-346-7415 during these hours to speak to the front desk. Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268.

The animals submitted to the media may have changes so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals.

www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com

Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information. https://www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVAnimalControl and https://www.facebook.com/FRIENDSOFMESQUITENVANIMALSHELTER