Mandatory Spaying, Neutering Proposed in Davidson County | News

A gas euthanization chamber highlighted a contentious Davidson County Commission meeting two weeks ago, but a commissioner's suggestion to control the pet population also got some attention.

Fred McClure suggested making spaying and neutering mandatory. Since that meeting, a committee has been approved to study the proposal.

It could take several months to draft an ordinance. McClure said he thinks the fines would be about $100, which would be more expensive than getting a pet fixed.

Commissioners formed a similar committee back in 2007. It led to an ordinance that proposed fining pet owners who didn't spay and neuter.

However, commissioners voted it down after hearing opposition from hunters and breeders.

McClure said he hopes to recruit both a hunter and breeder for the committee this time around.

"(That way) we can hear their concerns before it becomes an issue," McClure said.

Commissioner Billy Joe Kepley voted against reforming a commitee, saying people don't want any more regulation, as well as that there were concerns about enforcement during the last vote.

McClure said spaying and neutering violations would be written up only if deputies were called out to a home for another violation.

The Davidson County Animal Shelter euthanized nearly 7,000 animals last year.