2 vets don't want shelter to host animal-rights group

PROVO — Two Utah Valley veterinarians spoke out Tuesday against a proposal by an animal-rights group seeking space at a county animal shelter so the group can provide services to stray or lost pets.

The vets told the Utah County Commission that the group in time would try to compel the government to stop euthanizing animals at county shelters.

A ban on euthanization at the shelters would ultimately prove very cumbersome and expensive, said Dr. Vaughn Park of Provo and Dr. Harold Davis of Springville.

"They are on the extreme side of the issue," Park said. "It could get to the point where we are extremely limited in what we can do, and that could be devastating for agriculture and for veterinary science."

The group, called No More Homeless Pets, has asked the commission to let it occupy space in the new South County Animal Shelter in Spanish Fork.

Those who belong to the animal-rights organization say they will provide care for the cats and dogs they rescue and offer veterinary service to shelter animals and spay and neuter surgery to the community's animals.

Program Director Stewart Gollan said the group wants to pay the county for the needed space — but not with cash.

They say they'll provide $300,000 in in-kind services and provisions, he said.

Shelter Director Grant Ferre is in favor of the proposal. He wants to reduce the current rate of euthanization, which is between 50 percent and 68 percent.

Jacky Barlow, a shelter attendant, said the veterinarian would be helpful because infections and viruses routinely sweep through the shelter. Only severe cases are taken to the vet.

Park and Davis say people need to be educated about their responsibilities as pet owners. They likely won't get that if they don't have a relationship with a veterinary clinic, the vets told commissioners.

But is the chance of losing customers to the shelter driving their concerns?

"Do I lose money for spay and neuters? Yes and no. Where I used to do 100 to 140 a month, I might only do 50, but that frees me up to do more expensive diagnostics," Park said.

Commissioners Gary Herbert and Jerry Grover said they are uncomfortable with allowing a private entity to operate a clinic on public premises.

Since No More Homeless Pets would be offering sterilization surgery to animals not already in the shelter, that could cause problems with zoning regulations and licensing in Spanish Fork.

It may also be necessary to put out a bid to other animal-rights groups that might want to occupy space in the shelter, Herbert said.

The commission decided to wait at least another week before signing a contract with No More Homeless Pets.