Orange County Register

Orange County is, let’s face it, the Live Free or Die state/West.

So the tale of how New Hampshire - the Live Free or Die state/East - managed to drastically reduce the number of animals killed in its animal shelters is particularly instructive for us at this juncture.

(In case you missed it, the OC Board of Supervisors and many cities have until Sept. 2 to respond to a grand jury report calling on them to adopt a mandatory spay/neuter law. The idea: reduce the number of animals put down every year, which is about 15,000. The carcasses now go to a rendering plant in Vernon.)

It’s just a hunch, but The Watchdog suspects it will be a cold day you-know-where before the supes approve a mandatory law. So, we spoke to April Burke, program assistant for New Hampshire’s Animal Population Control Program, who runs a very successful voluntary spay/neuter program.

New Hampshire’s experiment began in 1994 to shrink high kill rates at animal shelters, and address the growing number of feral animals running wild. OC supervisors, please pay attention!

Watchdog: So, you’ve been very successful?

Burke: Since 1994, we’ve had a 70 percent drop in the euthanasia rate, as well as 30,000 fewer cats and dogs coming into shelters.

Watchdog: How did you do that?!

Burke: It’s a two-part program, with Plan A and Plan B. Plan A gives a certificate to everyone adopting an animal from our participating shelters, allowing them to have the animal spayed or neutered for a co-payment of $40. That doesn’t include vaccinations or examinations (which can run another $45 to $65, depending on the vet).

Watchdog: And Plan B?

Burke: Plan B was put into place for people who are currently receiving welfare assistance, or whose gross monthly income comes in at the poverty line. They have to show documentation of that. If approved, they can have the surgery done for $25, including distemper and rabies shots, as well as the exam.

Watchdog: How much does the program cost?

Burke: Our budget is about $318,000.

Watchdog: Where does the money come from?

Burke: We take $2.50 on each dog license issued.

Watchdog: How did you get the word out?

Burke: Most it is word of mouth. We do have fliers in the local town halls, as well as health and human services divisions. Between those, I’m definitely kept busy. There’s no one else but me working on this program!

Watchdog: Advice for folks like us in the Live Free or Die state/West?

Burke: You need put your funding in place ($2.50 on the dog license, or something like it). Also, how you’re going to qualify people. Most states that have followed in our footsteps make it primarily for people who are low-income.

Watchdog: The state’s veterinarians are behind you?

Burke: In the beginning, letters were sent out to them explaining the program and its goals, and they were quick to jump on board. Even now we have 85 to 90 percent participating.

Watchdog: But it took some time to pull things together, no?

Burke: Yes, it did. Even now, we are still trying to iron out some of the kinks. Making sure invoices sent in a timely manner, that sort of thing.

Watchdog: Euthanasia still happens in New Hampshire shelters?

Burke: This program doesn’t eliminate the need for euthanasia, but the shelters really don’t have to do that much anymore.

The details of what happens to animals euthanized in OC shelters proved quite upsetting to many people. Read more by clicking:

• OC’s dead pets enter the food chain. Mmmm.
• OC’s dead pets enter the food chain, part two
• OC’s dead pets enter the food chain, part three
• OC’s dead pets enter the food chain, part four

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