City using stimulus money to fix pets

Last Update: 10/23/2009 6:23 pm

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City using stimulus money to fix pets

WICHITA, Kansas – The City of Wichita will begin using federal recovery funds to spay and neuter pets for low-income residents.

Saturday, the city will hold the first of two clinics. The city says it’s a program that benefits taxpayers and animal owners. But others wonder what that has to do with stimulating the economy?

Plainview has a big problem with dogs and cats.

"A lot of stray animals,” said resident Amanda Fisher. “They walk home from schools and they see stray dogs."

"Dog bites, dangerous dogs, dogs running at large cats by the hundreds living under houses, carrying diseases, and people who don't have a good idea or the means on how to pay for their pets,” said Janet Johnson, Plainview Neighborhood Services.

Last year in District 5, which includes Plainview, Animal Control investigated 81 dog attacks, including 39 pit bull attacks. That’s way above any other area of the city.

So when Janet Johnson learned they were getting $55,000 in stimulus money, she decided to use if for free spaying and neutering of pets for low-income residents. But it’s an idea that’s not going over well with everyone.

"The theory behind stimulus is job creation, that's not creating any jobs,” said Dave Trabert, Flint Hills Center for Public Policy.

“This is stimulating the economy in a very small way, by saving taxpayers money in the long run,” Johnson said.

Johnson argues every time the city picks up an unwanted pet and then euthanizes it, it costs taxpayers $240. Last year they did that 3,400 times.

"We feel like this project is a win, win,” Johnson said. “It can make a significant difference in low-income neighborhoods, and we feel like it will ultimately save the city tax dollars."

Trabert doesn’t argue the program’s possible benefits, but says it’s just another example of federal stimulus not being used as taxpayers were told it would be.

"This isn't government money, it's taxpayer money,” he said.

Johnson says the money had to be used for low-income areas. There will be an education component as well. Those who take advantage of the program have to sit through a seminar on being a responsible pet owner.

The first of the hourly clinics will be Saturday, October 24^th from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. at Atwater City Hall located at 2755 E. 19^th St. The second clinic will be held November 7^th at the Colvin Neighborhood City Hall located at 2820 S. Roosevelt from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those wishing to participate do need to bring proof of income.

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