With Funding, H.B. 2552 Would Make Spay and Neuter More Affordable in WV - National Humane Education Society
Paws Up!
To the West Virginia House of Delegates for considering H.B. 2552, which would fund the WV SNAP (West Virginia Spay and Neuter Assistance Program).
The WV SNAP (Spay and Neuter Assistance Program) makes neuter surgeries affordable for WV pet owners by subsidizing the cost of the
surgeries for pet owners with low incomes. The program was created as a result of a law passed in 2013, but has not secured a source of funding. The WV SNAP program could receive $900,000 per year if H.B. 2552 is passed. This bill would fund the program without raising taxes by increasing the manufacturer’s fee for pet food companies that do business in West Virginia. Pet food manufacturers already pay a permit fee to sell products in West Virginia. By raising that fee, a substantial sum of funds could be raised to make spay and neuter surgeries affordable for West Virginia pet owners. Both Maine and Maryland have successfully implemented similar programs.
There are too many companion animals in West Virginia and not enough responsible homes or even animal rescues to care for them. In fact, West Virginia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the U.S., but has one of the lowest medium incomes. As a result, animals are being euthanized in kill-shelters and turned away from no-kill shelters. Some are banished to life on a chain and deprived of basic care by owners who cannot pay for pet food and vet bills because their dog had puppies they cannot afford. Other animals are left to roam at large, where they are pose a public safety risk. Some counties, such as cash-strapped Clay County, West Virginia, do not even have their own animal shelter to deal with these types of problems. West Virginians need access to affordable spay and neuter for their pets.
Take action. West Virginia residents, contact The West Virginia House of Delegates Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and urge them to pass H.B. 2552 into law.
