So, when I learned that the City of New Orleans was contemplating a Breeder's Permit Ordinance, I knew that the local SPCA had their work cut out for them if they wanted to sell Louisianans on such regulation. I assume that the overwhelming stray pet population after Katrina helped fuel such an effort, but legislation might be something to think about even here in Charleston.

Let's face the fact that, despite massive spay/neuter efforts by local rescue organizations, 12,000 animals are still presented to the Charleston Animal Society every year. This does not include countless animals taken in by other animals rescue groups. These animals come from increasing numbers of pet owners who must relinquish their pet due to the failing economy. Strays are picked up daily by our animal control officers. Other animals are brought to the shelter because they have behavior or health problems that an owner can no longer deal with.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) reports that, of a litter of five puppies or kittens, only one finds a forever home. The other four are abandoned to the streets or end up at a shelter.

Spay USA estimates that one unspayed female dog, her mate and all of their puppies, if never spayed or neutered, would amount to 67,000 dogs in just six years! That is a staggering number. No wonder we have pet overpopulation issues!

Unfortunately, according to HSUS, only 14 percent of us acquire our pets from shelters. It is hopeful that 48 percent of us take in strays, adopt from friends or from animal rescue groups. Thirty-eight percent of pet owners buy their pet from breeders or pet stores.

The Fund for Animals reports that, since 1990, some type of spay/neuter incentive legislation has been passed in over 50 counties. In New Hampshire, where a statewide, publicly funded spay and neuter program was launched in 1994, for every dollar spent on spay/neuter, $3.17 was saved by the taxpayer on animal control costs. Nearly 31,000 fewer dogs and cats were admitted to shelters statewide. Euthanasia rate dropped by 75 percent!

I know a lot of Charleston Animal Society workers who would kiss the feet of anyone who could achieve that!

When owners of unaltered animals were forced to pay appreciably more expensive license fees than owners of altered animals, several counties in California reported huge decreases in shelter admissions and euthanasia rates. Santa Cruz decreased its animal intake from 14,000 animals per year to only 5,500. Euthanasia rates dropped by 50 percent!

This was in the face of continued human population growth.

So, what would the proposed ordinance in New Orleans mean for its citizens? It would mean that dog owners who do not spay or neuter their pet would be required to apply for an annual breeder permit, provide evidence of annual vaccinations by a licensed veterinarian and have a permanent microchip implanted for identification. The proposed ordinance does not limit an individual's right to own and breed an intact dog, but instead requires proper veterinary care for that dog and encourages spaying and neutering of dogs not being bred to reduce animal overpopulation.

In Orleans Parish ordinances already exist mandating all cats released from animal control facilities be spayed or neutered. The newly proposed ordinance would require all dogs impounded be returned to their owner intact only if the owner has the said breeder permit. Charleston actually already has a similar law in effect but we don't have an effective licensing system to make this documentation readily available to a breeder. Also, similar to Charleston ordinances, a veterinarian could certify a dog unfit to undergo surgery and the owner would receive an exemption from the requirements.

Enforcement seems like it would be difficult, but New Orleans plans to handle the situation in the same manner the rabies license ordinance is enforced. When an animal control officer is investigating a complaint or when an owner reclaims their lost dog, a copy of a breeder permit or proof of spay/neuter will be requested. This will focus compliance on irresponsible pet owners whose dogs are found roaming or are being investigated for other code violations.

The initial permit in New Orleans would cost $50. The annual renewal cost is only $20. Fines for violations range from $100 to $500. Revenues would be directed to animals control to serve the community. And, like in Charleston, low cost spay/neuter services are available with additional discounts for senior citizens or low income residents.

So, think about a Breeder's Permit Ordinance to help control animal overpopulation. I'm not saying it is right for Charleston, but such legislation has actually saved the taxpayer a bunch of money in some cities and counties.

But that shouldn't be our motivation should it?

Our motivation should be to consider any and all legislation that would help our shelters decrease their euthanasia rates so that all healthy, adoptable animals can find a loving home.

Dr. Katherine A. Saenger, DVM, owns Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital and Boarding Kennel (www.beesferry.com) and is a former board member of the Charleston Animal Society (formerly John Ancrum SPCA.) If you have questions about pet behavior or health, or suggestions for column topics, e-mail her at vetsaenger@bellsouth.net, and watch the column in coming weeks for her responses.