$25 Million Saved Now, But at What Cost Later?

The bad economy has sent our government scrambling for a way to balance the budget.

This year Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger successfully proposed cutting the budget for animal shelters by suspending Haydens Law.

Haydens Law is like a bill of rights for California pet owners. It states that animal shelters are required to hold an animal for 6 to 10 days before euthanizing it to allow its owners enough time to come reclaim it.

What does suspending his law mean for you and your pet?

It means that you now have potentially only three days to reclaim your pet from your local animal shelter before it gets euthanized.

This is not the first time California Animal Shelters have been on the chopping block. Governor Schwarzenegger, whose dogs did not come from an animal shelter, made the same proposal in 2004, saying that the move would save the state $14 million a year according to USA Today. This time around Governor Schwarzenegger claims the move will save the state $25 million a year.

$25 million saved now, but at what cost later?

I believe Governor Schwarzenegger should immediately reinstate the funds he took from the California Animal Shelter system.

He must give animal shelters the additional financial support they need to keep animals in their homes.
He must:
1) Provide funding to keep animal shelters fully staffed.
2) Provide grants to shelters programs created specifically to fight the effect of the economy.
For example: pet food banks, free or discount spay/neuter program vouchers, or the creation of a separate foster program just for families who need a temporary place for their animals to stay.

Doing this will not only put Haydens Law back into effect but it will also keep families together, decrease the current strain on animal shelters/staff, and save thousands of our pets from being terminated by the Governors Budget cut.