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,