The City of Claremore, Oklahoma, has recently enacted a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for all dogs and cats owned by city residents. The ordinance does not apply to anyone not residing within Claremore city limits or to any non-residents participating in dog events in the city.
The new law requires all dog and cat owners to have their pets 5 months of age or older spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian, unless the owner possesses a hobbyist or commercial breeders permit and has also registered each dog or cat with the City. A commercial breeder permit may be purchased for $50.00/year plus a one-time $20.00 application fee. A hobbyist permit has a one-time fee of $50.00 and may be renewed for $10.00/year.
The American Kennel Club opposes mandatory spay/neuter laws. Instead, we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who take their responsibilities seriously. Additionally, we strongly support and actively promote a wide range of programs to educate the public about responsible breeding practices and the responsibilities of dog ownership.
For more information on the new ordinance, and to apply for a permit, contact Claremore Animal Control at (918) 341-1260.
How You Can Help:
We encourage all residents of Claremore to contact Mayor Brant Shallenburger and the City Council and politely, yet strongly express your opposition to the new animal control ordinance.
All letters to the Mayor and City Council should be addressed as follows:
The Honorable (Insert Name)
City of Claremore
104 S. Muskogee
Claremore, Oklahoma 74017
Click here for the names of the Claremore City Council members. To find out which Ward you reside in, click here.
The City of Claremore, Oklahoma, has recently enacted a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for all…