COLUMBIANA COUNTY Dog adoption fee likely to increase

Commissioners expressed concern about the fee but believe the plan will help.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- A proposal to dramatically boost adoption fees at the Columbiana County dog pound to ensure its animals are spayed or neutered has the support of all three commissioners.
Commissioners Gary Williams and Sean Logan said this week they will support Commissioner Jim Hoppel's proposal to increase adoption fees from $15 to $50.
Hoppel said he intends to seek a vote on his plan in the next few weeks.
The proposal is aimed at reducing the number of stray and unwanted dogs in the county.
The spaying or neutering will be provided at a bargain rate through Angels for Animals, a Mahoning County animal shelter.
The $50 also will cover the $8 cost of a dog license and pound fees.
Backers of the plan acknowledge that the more than 200 percent cost increase may deter adoptions, leaving more strays stranded at the pound, where unwanted dogs are gassed.
Benefit
Supporters argue, however, that eventually fewer strays will end up at the pound because the spay-neuter program will decrease the number of dogs capable of reproducing.
In 2002, the pound destroyed 777 dogs, more than twice the number of dogs that were adopted.
"We have a problem with dogs running loose," Williams said. "If something isn't done to control the population, we're just adding to the problem."
Williams acknowledged that the adoption cost increase from $15 to $50 is sizable, but considering that the additional money provides a spayed or neutered pet, it's a bargain.
Logan agreed. "The long-term effect is better and worth the short-term negative impact" of fewer adoptions and more gassings, he said.