Southwest Community Association

Animal Care

Mar 22, 2009

Did you know one female cat can produce 18 kittens a year? Did you know one female dog can produce 20 puppies a year? Did you know that in San Antonio, Animal Care Services (ACS) still has to euthanize (put to death) thousands of dogs & cats every year because: owners are NOT spaying and neutering their cats & dogs, owners are letting their dogs & cats run loose, and many owners are ?“dumping?” their dogs & cats when they ?“get tired of them?”. Are YOU a good owner? Are your neighbors good owners? People should recognize that when they get a dog or cat, it is a commitment for the life of that animal (maybe 15 years or more).
As of Jan 1, 2009, ALL dogs 6 months or older, MUST be sterilized OR an annual Intact Dog Permit MUST be purchased ($50). There is a heavy fine for any owned dog picked up that is NOT sterilized. There are exemptions for dogs that qualify for certain medical exceptions (verified by a licensed veterinarian). This new law does NOT apply to any dog or cat owner who is not a city resident of San Antonio, but is keeping the pet in the city for less than 60 days. It also does NOT apply to dog and cat owners who have been residents of San Antonio for less than 30 days.
Permits have been created for excess animal ownership, litters, livestock, animal exhibits, etc. Permits can be downloaded at ?“www.saacs.net?”, but all permits MUST be paid for at ACS, 4710 State Hwy 151 (off old Hwy 90). For more information, call 207-4PET (4738).
ACS is open for adoptions of dogs and cats: Tue?—Fri, 11 AM?—7 PM, and Sat, 11 AM?—5 PM.
ACS always needs volunteers to help with such things as adoptions, fundraising, and education. Volunteer orientation training (which takes about an hour) will be provided on Fri, Feb 13, at 6 PM; Sat, Feb 21, at 2 PM; and Sat, Feb 28, at 2 PM. For more information, call 288-9784.