Corpus Christi Animal Care Services announced that a total of 35 permits have been issued since the new city ordinance went into effect last October.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A total of 35 permits have been issued since the city of Corpus Christi enacted its spay-neuter ordinance a year ago. While this may sound low, Corpus Christi Animal Care Services said it’s a positive step forward.
“We have an influx of individuals purchasing intact permits as well as the city spaying and neutering animals,” said Miguel Escobar with Corpus Christi Animal Care Services. .
The ordinance requires pet owners to register their intact or unneutered pets for a $50 annual fee. Organizations like the Gulf Coast Humane Society help pet owners get their pets spayed and neutered. Jackie McCollough, director of marketing and development for the Gulf Coast Humane Society, said a big part of the ordinance is to give animal protection services a way to reduce the stray dog population.
“Additionally, Corpus Christi Animal Services will be able to perform on animals that continue to produce offspring,” McCollough said. “Then they can say their pet needs spayed or neutered, which is really helpful.”
McCollough said that although more people are owning pets and registering for permits, there are still many people who don’t know about the pet ordinance.
“You know, a lot of people just don’t know about this, so we’re trying to get the word out about the spay/neuter ordinance by providing resources at vaccination clinics and events,” McCollough said. said.
Escobar said there are consequences for not following city ordinances.
“If the animal has not been neutered, we will issue a sterilization order on the animal. You will have 30 days to demonstrate compliance that the animal is neutered or neutered at this time.” If you know your veterinarian’s recommendation not to do it and you don’t show those parameters, that’s when we issue a notice to our department,” Escobar said.
For more information on where you can fill out permit forms, click here for Animal Control Services.
