ADOPTED 07/21/1998

WHEREAS, Nashville has a pet-overpopulation problem that is at the root of all of our animal control problems; and

WHEREAS, the over-population tragedy causes untold suffering for not only Nashville’s homeless pet population, but it is also a contributing factor in the suffering of owned pets because of the health and behavior problems associated with fertile animals; and

WHEREAS, all taxpayers carry this burden, even citizens who don’t own a pet, but this is a problem that has a solution in proper pet care; and

WHEREAS, by having pets spayed or neutered you do more than reduce the number of homeless dogs and cats, you cut down on dog bites, dog attacks, free-roaming pets, spread of rabies and other diseases, and animal cruelty and neglect; and

WHEREAS, the Nashville Coalition For Pet Protection, The Southern Alliance For Animal Welfare, and the Remote Area Medical Veterinary Services (RAM) have joined together to sponsor the "Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP)" which will provide a free spay/neuter weekend on August 1-2, 1998, for low-income pet owners in the Nashville community who need help to be more responsible pet owners; and

WHEREAS, both the Nashville Coalition For Pet Protection and RAM Veterinary Services want to make this a joint effort towards not only getting a lot of pets spayed and neutered, but also introducing to low-income pet owners some basic facts, including:

• Neglecting veterinary care for your pets can endanger your family’s health;
• Preventive veterinary care actually saves a family money;
• It is painful to lose a pet you love when the death could have been prevented; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council support the free spay/neuter weekend on August 1-2, 1998, for low-income pet owners in the Nashville community for pet owners who need a helping hand.

SECTION 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as supporting the efforts of the Nashville Coalition For Pet Protection, The Southern Alliance For Animal Welfare, and the Remote Area Medical Veterinary Services for sponsoring the "Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP)" and the free spay/neuter weekend on August 1-2, 1998.

SECTION 2. The Metropolitan Council Staff Office is directed to prepare certificates to be presented to representatives of The Nashville Coalition For Pet Protection, The Southern Alliance For Animal Welfare, and the Remote Area Medical Veterinary Services.

SECTION 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored By: Frank Harrison & Janis Sontany