Fort Worth shelters are full, and animals pay the price. Here’s how we can do better | Opinion

It’s time for Fort Worth residents to acknowledge and address a pressing issue that affects not only our furry friends also but the entire community — the high intake numbers and euthanasia rates in our animal shelters. Achieving live release rates of 90% or higher should be a collective goal, and it starts with education and action.

Animal welfare is one of my priorities and it should be a shared mission to ensure our animal shelters have the necessary resources they need to run a safe, efficient, humane shelter with animal welfare top of mind.

Education plays a pivotal role in transforming our community’s animal shelters. We must inform and empower our neighbors about the resources available for responsible pet ownership and emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering pets to curb the cycle of overpopulation.

I also want to underscore the significant community support for our animal shelters. Fort Worth is fortunate to have several dedicated private organizations like the Spay Neuter Network and the Saving Hope Foundation working tirelessly to support our animal shelters, offering free or reduced-cost spay and neuter services and funding after-school programs that educate families on responsible ownership.

Over the past four years, the Spay Neuter Network and Saving Hope Foundation partnerships have provided more than 28,500 free surgeries and more than 27,000 free microchips, vaccinations and well-animal visits in Fort Worth’s neediest neighborhoods. Until the organizations established a stand-alone clinic off East Seminary Drive by both organizations in 2019, these neighborhoods had no access to affordable veterinary care.

The Rainwater Charitable Foundation and the Rees-Jones Foundation also deserve recognition for their significant contributions. By funding various programs, including spay/neuter initiatives, humane education campaigns these organizations have reached more than 15,000 Fort Worth ISD students and foster care programs – these foundations are truly making a lasting impact in our city and saving countless animals.

Support for both public and private organizations such as these is essential to achieving our shared goal of reducing the number of animals in Fort Worth shelters and increasing live release rates.

There are several other ways for every resident to play a role in helping animals in our community:

Spread awareness: Tell your friends, family and neighbors about the importance of supporting animal shelters. Share information about the work these organizations are doing to encourage more community involvement.

Spay/neuter: Spaying and neutering is the best way to prevent unwanted litters and help to reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters.

Adopt or foster: Consider adopting or fostering a pet from a shelter, providing him or her with a loving home. When you adopt from a shelter, you are giving a pet a second chance at a happy life. You are also helping to reduce the number of homeless animals in the community.

Volunteer your time: Get involved in programs and events sponsored by these organizations. Shelters always need volunteers to help with tasks such as walking dogs, cleaning cages and socializing animals. You can also volunteer to help with adoption events or to foster animals in your home.

Donate supplies: Shelters need a variety of supplies, including food, litter, toys, blankets, and cleaning supplies. You can donate items in person or purchase them online and have them shipped directly to the shelter.

Donate financially: Contribute to these organizations to help them sustain their crucial services and cover the costs of food, medical care and other expenses. You can make a one-time gift or set up a recurring donation.

By joining forces, we can build a more humane community for all animals. Let’s commit to working together, supporting our local shelters and creating a brighter future for the furry members of our community. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Fort Worth is a place where every animal has a chance for a happy and healthy life.

Macy Hill represents District 7 on the Fort Worth City Council.