Animal report welcomed

Council briefs
London Free Press, Canada
Council briefs Tue, July 18, 2006
By FREE PRESS STAFF
Report on animals welcomed
A new report that urges London to stop euthanizing animals and focus instead on spaying, neutering and adoption was broadly praised at a meeting last night. The companion-animal welfare task force report and its 22 recommendations were presented to city council's environment and transportation committee last night. The committee sent the report to staff for review and cost estimates and is recommending immediate action to establish a permanent advisory committee. The report concludes the city will save money in the long run and improve the welfare of stray animals if the city focuses on spay-neuter programs, public education, a co-ordinated volunteer effort and funding. The companion-animal welfare task force was formed last year after complaints about the number of euthanized stray cats and dogs here and concerns about their care. About 10,000 London dogs and cats have been euthanized during the last five years, including more than 1,400 last year.