SWW I’m surprised your rescue group doesn’t require the new families sign something saying they will neuter or spay. You mention the budget is low. Does that mean it isn’t taken care of before the dogs are adopted out? Is the rescue group or others working to change the laws in Delaware? It is shocking to me neutering isn’t mandatory.
The rescue group
does have the new families sign a paper saying they will neuter/spay their new family members, but following up on that signature is difficult at best.
As for the SPCA, unless the shelter does the neutering/spaying themselves, the best that could be accomplished would be charging extra for animals that haven't been treated when they are released. Here in Sussex county, the SPCA doesn't even make sure the animals have had their rabies shots! Seems there's a law here that the shots
have to be given by a
licenced veterinarian, and not by a "mere" qualified trained member of the SPCA staff. The SPCA doesn't have the funds to keep a vet on call; they don't even consider keeping the animals alive as a major part of their agenda. They were about to slaughter Peggy and her pups simply because they had mange, and only gave the Rescue group a few hours to find them a home. The only reason they kept one dog alive that had lost a leg was because the dog was evidence in an abuse trial (which is why the dog lost his leg). Tripod, luckily, found a home shortly after the trial, or he'd have been put away the first chance the SPCA got!
Making matters worse is the charge by the SPCA that they are underfunded by the state to even do the little that they do! The state is seriously considering cancelling their contract with the SPCA, and instead hiring the job out to the lowest bidder. I don't even want to think about how conditions will worsen when that happens!