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July 9, 2008
Shelley Szafraniec, APR
Community Information Specialist

VOLUSIA COUNTY ADOPTS MANDATORY SPAY AND NEUTER ORDINANCE

Each year in Volusia County, more than 15,000 cats, dogs, kittens and puppies face early deaths in Volusia County due to overpopulation. Others are left to fend for themselves against automobiles, the elements, animals and uncaring humans.

In response to the number of animals being euthanized, the Volusia County Council has adopted an ordinance requiring dogs and cats in the unincorporated area be spayed or neutered.

“The county really has struggled with this issue for some time,” said Becky Wilson, Volusia County Animal Control Services director. “Our best interests are geared toward minimizing the number of animals euthanized because it is the humane thing to do, and this is expected to save taxpayers thousands of dollars spent on euthanization. We are hoping with this ordinance we will see a decline in the number of euthanizations in the years to come.”

The ordinance requires cats or dogs six months and older be spayed or neutered unless it qualifies for an unaltered animal permit, according to Wilson. The permit would be valid for the life of the dog or cat without a fee to the owner.

A cat or dog meeting one of the following exemptions will qualify for an unaltered animal permit if the animal is:

• a show or competition cat or dog;
• medically unfit to undergo the procedure;
• a law enforcement dog;
• a service cat or dog as defined by state and federal law;
• a cat or dog used for breeding purposes; or
• a hunting and herding dog.

Animals temporarily harbored/rescued or at the humane society also are exempt from the ordinance; unaltered animals are required to have a microchip locator.

Residents in the unincorporated area have until Sept. 1 to come into compliance with the ordinance.

Volusia County’s Pet Vet Cruiser continues to offer free and low-cost spaying and neutering for pets. This state-of-the-art mobile medical vehicle is staffed with highly skilled veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

The program is based on income and has a sliding fee scale. Residents seeking free or low-cost pet spaying and neutering must provide proof of income to qualify.

Appointments for service are required and can be made from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday. Walk-ins are not accepted.

For more information about the ordinance and/or cost, qualifications and appointments for the Pet Vet Cruiser, please call (386) 323-3575 (Daytona Beach), (386) 626-6643 (DeLand) or (386) 424-6875 (New Smyrna Beach).

More information also can be found at www.volusia.org/animalcontrol

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