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Akron, OH.  Summit County

Council debates merits of pet deposit at shelter

By Kathleen Folkerth

The legislation, sponsored by County Executive James McCarthy, would require those adopting cats and kittens to add a $50 deposit to the cat adoption fee of $27, while those adopting dogs and puppies would add $75 to the $40 dog adoption fee.

The deposit would be refunded when the pet owner shows proof that the adopted animals have been spayed or neutered.

According to Stephen Dyer, staff attorney in the executive’s office, the measure is meant to encourage the procedure and help reduce the number of unwanted animals in the county.

“The goal is to reduce the pet population through the most humane means possible,” Dyer told the Rules Committee.

But committee Chairperson Tim Crawford (D-District 7) questioned the potential effectiveness of the measure.

“This is going to increase our kill rate, when we should be trying to put animals into responsible hands,” Crawford said.

He noted the total amount a person would have to pay the county for a dog is $115, while a cat would cost $77.

Dyer stressed the deposit would be refunded once an animal is spayed or neutered, but he could not say if there was a time limit to the rebate or what the county would do with the deposit money that is not returned.

Council President Clair Dickinson (D-at large) said the issue comes down to a difference of philosophy.

“It’s whether the purpose of the animal shelter is to get dogs and cats adopted at any cost or control the animal population,” Dickinson said. “But what’s the most efficient way of ensuring animals are spayed and neutered? Is it better accomplished some other way?”

Committee member Michael Callahan (R-at large) said he adopted a dog through a local rescue group. Having the dog spayed or neutered was included in the group’s adoption fee, he said. The group made the appointment with a vet with whom it had contracted.

“Is there some way the county could accomplish the same thing, working with a group of vets?” Callahan asked. “There would be a lot less transfer of money that way, and it would be a much more intelligent way to handle the problem.”

Dyer also was asked by committee members what the measure would cost the county, in terms of having staff available to process the rebates.

Committee member Tom Teodosio (D-District 2) said he thought the concept was “a good idea, but it needs some work.”

The committee agreed to keep the legislation on time.

Also during the committee meeting, Dickinson said he would withdraw his legislation requesting modification of a contract between the county and the National Animal Control Association (NACA) because the contract had already been signed.

Dyer said McCarthy signed the contract that afternoon.

“We essentially adopted everything that NACA asked us to do,” Dyer said.

He added the organization will probably be in the county during the next month to update its 2004 assessment of conditions at the Summit County Animal Control agency.

Committee member Paul Gallagher (D-at large) questioned whether McCarthy had the authority to execute the contract, since County Council requested that NACA return.

“I don’t think the net effect of his involvement is a positive one,” Gallagher said.

“The whole idea was to have a group come in and advise council,” added Dickinson. “Now NACA instead is reporting to the county executive.”

As part of the contract, NACA officials will meet for a closing conference to discuss their results with McCarthy and members of the county’s Humane Commission. County Council will receive the report following that, when it is made public.

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