 "Photo: Shelley Neuman/The Daily Texan")
The Austin City Council’s proposed cost-saving measures could affect a free animal sterilization program in the city.
EmanciPET, which operates the program in question, is a Central Texas animal rights advocacy and service organization that receives $195,000 per year from the city’s general budget. The city proposed a 50 percent cut in funds for EmanciPET’s programs, which would force the organization to rely heavily on donations and possibly cut vaccination programs.
The city’s budget shortfall could range between $30 and $45 million, depending on which tax rates the City Council approves. City staff decided to release possible budget-reduction items early to allow a maximum amount of time for public input and transparency, said Assistant City Manager Michael McDonald, who overlooks public safety services.
The money is used to provide free spay and neuter procedures for dogs and cats. The organization draws on donated funds for other services such as vaccinations.
The city hosted one of several town hall-style meetings Tuesday night, where citizens could participate in a mock vote on some of the proposed budget cuts. One of the big issues on the table was the measure that would cut EmanciPET’s funding.
“Of course we have to analyze the pros and cons and eventually make some tough choices” said city spokesman Doug Matthews.
Matthews elaborated on the city’s strained general fund, which relies mostly on sales and property taxes — two revenue sources that have steadily decreased during the last 11 months.
The group provides 4,000 free sterilizations per year and 3,500 free rabies vaccinations per year.
The organization operates primarily in low-income areas with large stray populations, according to an EmanciPET press release.
If it is not able to continue to provide these services, the organization believes there will be an unsafe increase in the number of stray dogs and cats in Austin in addition to an increased burden on city-run shelters.
“We have made significant progress and don’t want to see that reversed. We definitely want to see these sterilization programs retained,” said EmanciPET Executive Director Amy Mills. “We have to speak for those without a voice, and that includes animals.”
