A Public Problem Needs Public Funding :A Public Problem Needs Public Funding Why Should the Government Have a Role and What should that Role include?


Why Government Funded Spay/Neuter? :Why Government Funded Spay/Neuter? Role of the Government is to provide for the safety and health of the governed. Government is expected to invest the taxpayers money wisely. Governments are looking to solve problems. Animal Control is a core government service, and s/n programs are an important part of that service. Because It Works!!!


FCNMHP has received more than $1.5 million in government funding for Duval County’s SpayJax Program over 7 years :FCNMHP has received more than $1.5 million in government funding for Duval County’s SpayJax Program over 7 years


This $1.5 million helped produce 24,000 surgeries resulting in a 24% decrease in shelter admissions over 7 years. :This $1.5 million helped produce 24,000 surgeries resulting in a 24% decrease in shelter admissions over 7 years.


Slide 5:Duval County Shelter Admissions/FCNMHP Surgeries 2002 through 2007


Secret to Success: :Secret to Success: Sustainable: Must be a forever program Combined with Comprehensive set of programs Targeted at Problem Segments Low Income Pet Owners Feral Cats High Volume: 5 Low income targeted surgeries per 1,000 residents


Instituting Government funded, targeted effective Spay and Neuter Programs! :Instituting Government funded, targeted effective Spay and Neuter Programs! These programs will: Increase public safety By decreasing the number of free roaming pets By increasing the number of rabies vaccinated and altered pets in the community. Maximize taxpayer $$ Less Pets Breeding will: Decrease # of pets entering shelters Decrease # of nuisance calls to ACC Decrease # of pets euthanised in shelters.


Where are we today? We are on the precipice of something huge! :Where are we today? We are on the precipice of something huge! Government Funded S/N is popping up everywhere! The biggest Counties in Florida are catching on: Duval, Marion, Dade, Hillsboro, Orange The State of New Hampshire is No-Kill with the help of targeted spay and neuter!


How can you get your local government to fund spay/neuter programs? :How can you get your local government to fund spay/neuter programs? Study, study study! You must become the expert! Prepare a presentation clearly spelling out cost and benefits and keep it ready! Become the Spay and Neuter Parrot! Be prepared to exploit every opportunity!


How did we get a program in Jacksonville, FL? :How did we get a program in Jacksonville, FL? Mayor’s Task Force on Animal Care & Control. Building Relationship’s with those that can make a difference! Never give up! Be persistent without becoming a pest! Involve everybody you can! City’s Request for Proposals.


Slide 11:Get to know the problem! Get to know the players! Put together a plan! Push for a task force to study the problem! Never Give up! You Are the First Step to Government Funded Spay and Neuter in your town!


Programs of FCNMHP: :Programs of FCNMHP: Free Programs Targeted at Low Income Pet Owners Provides free surgeries for documented low income Feral Cat Programs Low Cost Surgeries for Caregivers Rescue all feral cats coming to City of Jax for TNR Subsidized Programs for Owned Pets Client pays half the cost/we subsidize half Qualified income level Low Cost Non Qualifying Programs Not qualified, doesn’t cost our organization