TULSA, Okla. — Two bills moving through the Oklahoma Legislature could be game-changers for local animal shelters struggling with overcrowding while also cracking down on animal abuse and neglect.
2 News Oklahoma examined how these measures could help shelters like the Humane Society of Tulsa manage what many call a crisis-level situation.
One bill focuses on neutering and spaying — pricey surgical procedures to prevent animals from reproducing.
House Representative Mickey Dollens is looking to alleviate some of that financial pressure with House Bill 3915.
The bill creates a new grant program funded through appropriations, federal funds, donations, grants, or public or private contributions.
Dollens said this bill is preventive, citing data showing it is the most effective way other states have addressed the issue without raising taxes.
"Oklahoma 3915 creates the Oklahoma Spay and Neuter Grant Program. Oklahoma is facing a pet overpopulation crisis. This isn't only hamstringing our local shelters and our advocates, but it's also a public safety issue. When you have a bunch of stray animals running around, giving birth to a bunch of stray animals. It can create some safety liabilities," Dollens said.
Dollens added that, especially in rural Oklahoma, there is a lack of resources and veterinarians to perform spay and neuter surgeries.
So far, it's only through the first step of the committee process.
Dollens also says it's important to work across the aisle with lawmakers to develop bipartisan solutions in the name of animals and humanity.
Representative Mike Kelley authored House Bill 3902, which focuses on providing smaller counties with greater local animal control authority.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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