City of Texarkana passes spay/neuter ordinance

TEXARKANA, Ark. (KSLA) — The City of Texarkana, Arkansas, passed an ordinance that requires residents to spay or neuter their pets unless they’re licensed breeders.

Lenor Teague, director of the Animal Care and Adoption Center, said there are around 109 kennels in their facility but there are 127 animals in their care.

Teague said the center has been flooded with cats and dogs for the past year, with an increase in kittens and puppies. The city board hopes the new ordinance will cut down on the amount of animals being brought to the shelter.

“We have an overpopulation of animals in our community. We encourage you if you would like to own a dog or cat, but we need you to register than animal with the city,” City Manager Jay Ellington said. “We ask if you are not going to breed the animal, that you spay and neuter that animal as well.”

The ordinance will go into effect in 30 days. Residents who violate it could face a monetary fine.

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