New Regulations May Force Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinics To Close
By: Jamiese Price
Updated: October 1, 2012
New regulations proposed by the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners could force four low cost spay/neuter clinics in Alabama to close.
The new regulations would prevent non-veterinarians from hiring or supervising veterinarians.
It would also prohibits non-vets, including nonprofit groups - from owning veterinary equipment. The state board claims low cost clinics like the Wiregrass Spay/Neuter Alliance in Dothan is offering low-quality spaying and neutering, but clinic director Nikki Wyatt disagrees.
Wyatt said closing low clinics could create an even bigger animal overpopulation problem in the Wiregrass.
"" If the spay and neuter clinic did shut down you would see a lot more free roaming animals. Our shelter would be over populated. Our euthanization rate would go up dramatically and you would see a lot of sick and hungry animals roaming the streets," explained Wyatt.
Wyatt said as the proposed law is written the clinic is in compliance--but Wyatt is worried more regulations could come down from the board.
The Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners will vote on the new regulations next Wednesday.
Meanwhile, supporters of the clinic are asked to write a letter expressing what the clinic means to you and the community. You can mail or email your letters to Wiregrass Spay Neuter Alliance's office:
Wiregrass Spay Neuter Alliance
570 S. Foster Street.
Dothan, AL
All letters should be in by October 6th.
