There’s a movement in Tulsa’s city hall to earmark pet license fees for Tulsa Animal Welfare.
Veterinarian Christine Kunzweiler said other cities have brought their euthanasia rates to nearly zero.
"And I think Tulsa can do that, and I think that one of the ways to do that is to tell people, 'If you send in your fee, that money will go directly to help the shelter,'" Kunzweiler said.
Only six percent of pet owners pay for licenses, which are $5 a year and required by city ordinance. Animal welfare Manager Jean Letcher said she has no budget for public education to increase that rate or to tell people about low-cost spay and neuter services.
City Councilor Karen Gilbert said they’re also short animal welfare officers, so police end up handling those calls.
"We need to be very, very cautious and, you know, look at needs as, you know, opposed to wants as well," Gilbert said.
Pet license fees go into the general fund right now. City Councilor David Patrick said dedicating any portion of license fees to the shelter may require more than a budget amendment or new ordinance.
"If it takes a charter amendment, that's going to have to be something to put to a vote of the people, and that wouldn't be until November," Patrick said.
