Animal Control officers say about half of the dog and cat owners in Maricopa County actually license their pets. County officials hope to change that. That was among several proposals made to the County Board of Supervisors Monday.
Right now, Maricopa County animal control shelters are funded primarily through shelter fees, donations and pet-licensing fees. But an advisory panel is recommending adding general funds to that mix.
Leanna Taylor is a member of the county’s Animal Care and Control Task Force. She said funding would help cover the cost of additional veterinary staff and a new shelter in the east Valley.
"The humane society of the U.S. has identified that on average municipalities spend on average $8 per capita," she said. "Here in Maricopa County, if we combine MCCAC and the Arizona Humane Society we come in at $5.34 per capita."
County Supervisor Steve Gallardo also suggested targeting outreach efforts to communities with low licensing rates.
