Uncontrolled breeding, stray and abandoned animals have created a serious epidemic: overpopulation of companion animals. The number of dogs and cats, puppies and kittens, received annually by New Mexico's public and large private animal shelters and not reclaimed is estimated at more than 90,000 animals each year. Many are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them all.

The State of New Mexico and its citizens must take a preventative approach to the expensive problem of companion animal overpopulation.

Spaying & Neutering Companion Animals

High-volume Spay-Neuter Clinic for the greater Albuquerque Metro region

Our state's largest city also has the largest overpopulation problem, with the city's two shelters taking in an average 800 animals each week, 30% of which come from the surrounding communities. A dedicated spay-neuter clinic with transport van and mobile unit, funded with capital outlay, would allow a greater number of New Mexicans to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered.

The good news is, during the 2006 legislative session, legislators and Governor Richardson approved $880,000 for the construction of an Albuquerque spay-neuter clinic and the purchase of two mobile clinics. They also approved $400,000 for spay-neuter projects statewide, as well as another $1.87 million for improvements to animal shelters and animal control equipment in about a dozen communities around the state.

Facts about Companion Animal Overpopulation:

The City of Albuquerque's commitment to companion animals

The City of Albuquerque has vowed to be a "live exit" city, finding homes for all adoptable animals, in five years. It will own and operate the regional spay-neuter clinic while operating costs will be derived from both the city and private donations to a new non-profit that will be set up to support the clinic and its efforts to reduce companion animal overpopulation in the area. The clinic will include a transport van to bring in animals from outlying areas as well as a mobile clinic that will be able to provide spay-neuter services to other underserved communities. The commitment from the City of Albuquerque will ensure the long-term success of this project.