HomeMy WebLinkAboutSavala, LydiaLydia Savala
Please consider the following: A long-term plan involving spay/neuter
could start modestly with 10 large breed animals resulting in the
prevention of over 82,000 cumulative births over 5 years.
QUESTION TO AI: I want to initiate a spay neuter program
starting with 10 large breed dogs because they have large
litters. If we spay 5 females and 5 males, exponentially,
approximately what would be the affect on the reduction of
the pet
Year 1: The 5 original females would have produced roughly 60
puppies.
Year 2: The surviving female puppies from Year 1 mature and breed,
preventing 348 additional puppies.
Year 3: The third generation enters the breeding cycle, bringing the total
prevented to 2,426 puppies.
Year 5: Due to compounding generations, the geometric growth
prevents 82,032 cumulative births.
The Asymmetrical Impact: Males vs. Females
While neutering the 5 males is vital for behavior and local roaming, it
affects the math differently than spaying the females:
• Spaying 5 Females: Provides a guaranteed reduction in numbers.
It completely removes 5 reproducing "factories" from the equation.
• Neutering 5 Males: Provides a community-wide reduction by
removing roaming drives and preventing localized "mega-litters."
However, mathematically, a single intact neighborhood male can
still impregnate dozens of intact females.
•
Why Target Large Breeds?
Large breed dogs (like Labradors, German Shepherds, or mixed breeds)
typically average 8 to 12 puppies per litter, whereas small breeds often
only have 1 to 4 puppies. By prioritizing large breeds, your program
prevents up to 300% more births per surgery than a program focusing on
smaller dogs, maximizing the utility of your initial funding.
Conclusion: The Department of Animal Services has never implemented
a long-term plan resulting. We have had a 100% increase in total intake
since 2021. The absence of a long-term plan is well over due and has cost
us dearly given a current $10 – 12 mm budget vs $2.5 mm in 2020.
Playing a short game to reflect short term success --strictly attributable-- to
‘live’ animals in and out and the exclusion of the other 50% (dead by
euthanasia or entering DOA (dead on arrival) has not served us well.
I encourage you to advocate a pilot program, however small, starting with
10 large breed animals. Preferably constituents recently cited for failing to
spay/neuter from various parts of the city. This is where your ACO (Animal
Control Officers) or Commissioners may be helpful if assigned this task.
ALSO . . it would be a great first step to engage the community in a positive
way by offering free or subsidized spay/neuter.