Dear,

San Jose Municipal shelter is full of animals and is over capacity to the point that they stopped accepting animals in need from the community, rescues are operating in crisis mode.. Animals are dumped in increasing numbers all around San Jose and surrounding areas, not neutered, often sick, hit by cars to the point that it is distressing to our communities. At the same time: vital public spay-neuter has been suspended since 2019 and has never resumed, in spite of multiple community requests. As a concerned constituent and taxpayer, I’m deeply troubled by these facts, Municipal shelter does not offer TNR at needed levels either. I would like my tax dollars being used for logical overpopulation preventive measures.
The lack of affordable spay-neuter leads to growing animal overpopulation, overwhelming animal services and communities. The average cost of sterilization $850-2000 is unaffordable to most.
An un-spayed female cat can produce more than 2000 offspring in 4 years. An un-spayed female dog and her puppies can produce over 500 dogs in 3 years!

Urgent action is needed, comprehensive spay/neuter support is vital. I request your urgent actions to Restore and Expand access to these services for our community:
– Direct public funds, as a High Priority to Restore access to free and low cost Spay-Neuter services that were terminated during Covid.
– Expand low cost spay-neuter capacity to sufficient levels providing reliable access to California Communities within local jurisdiction
– Establish Relieve packages, Subsidizing Pet Owners experiencing financial hardships (spay-neuter, vet. care)
– Request necessary Funding through the State Government sources ( CA Congress and Governor)
– Considering the lack of veterinarian staff at shelters, provide financial assistance (vouchers) to allow expanded access to spay-neuter services through private veterinary clinics
– Develop a public system, so residents can transparently apply, promptly receive assistance
– Provide Publicly Published Progress reports
– Post Spay-Neuter Information on Municipal Shelter home page, add spanish and vietnamese outreach (in proportion with population composition) to maximize the coverage

I am grateful for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,