CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —
Cheryl Martinez, President of People Assisting Animal Control, said that since the city began requiring pet owners to spay and neuter their dogs and cats over six months old, she has seen an increase in the number of procedures her team performs.
"They are filling up a lot faster now. We are also informing the community, when they come to our clinic for wellness, that this ordinance is in place. We're letting them know so they're aware about it," she said.
Martinez said P.A.A.C’s most recent appointment bookings shocked her.
"We opened up 80 appointments the other day, and they were filled up within a few minutes. It's not taking long at all," she said.
Joel Skidmore, program manager of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services, said there is an option for pet owners who don't wish to have their pets spayed or neutered.
"If you wish to keep your animal intact, purchase an intact permit. You can come to animal care services. You can purchase and intact permit. It's $50 dollars," he said.
That intact permit would need to be purchased annually. With that permit the pet owner must provide proof that the animal is current on vaccinations, exams, veterinary recommendations and treatments.
CCACS said that they only issued six intact permits in the month of October.
Skidmore says that CCACS have heard that some people don't agree with sterilization or in general just want to keep their animals intact.
"Some people have pure bred dogs, and they want to keep them intact. It's your right as a citizen of our community if you want an intact animal. You can keep it intact, but you have to comply and are held to a higher standard," he said.
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