“Pet Stamps” introduced to fund spay and neuter costs, prevent overcrowding in Louisiana animal shelters

RUSTON, La.  ( KTVE/KARD ) — In Louisiana, animal shelters have been experiencing overcrowding for quite some time.

The head of the Humane Society says that failing to spay or neuter pets could be part of the problem.

Hundreds and thousands of pets have entered animal shelters or been dropped off in secluded areas.  According to the Humane Society, this is in record numbers.

This problem is also relevant in North Louisiana.

Bill Sanderson, director of Ruston Animal Control, says that they get a large number of dogs year-round and a significant number of cats in the spring or early summer.

“The biggest solution to the number of pets that we are encountering every day is not having spay or neuter performed on animals that are in people’s homes.  As soon as recommended by your vet, have that animal spayed or neutered.  First and foremost, it eliminates the possibility of unplanned pregnancy with the animals,” Sanderson said.

HB 653 , now known as Act 440, will allow the Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council to sell these pet stamps, which will aid in the cost of spaying or neutering your pets.

“Having that program in place and making it successful is paramount to helping us with the control of the population of animals,” Sanderson said.

It is likely that these stamps will go into production after one year.

If you are interested in adopting an animal from the Ruston Animal Shelter, you may reach them at (318) 251-8685.

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