13-06-2025
Spay and Neuter Ordinances could give animals a ‘new leash on life'
PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) – Overpopulation for animals in Mercer County has been on an uptick in recent years. The Mercer County Commission tried introducing a new 'leash law' back in early 2024.
Now, the Commission has introduced two new ordinances to try and control population for not only dogs, but cats as well.
Those ordinances are 'Canine Control Ordinance' and a 'Spay Neuter Ordinance.'
'We work with our animal groups following the meeting we had in March and now we're moving forward on that one. That actually goes in tandem with the spay and neuter ordinance, because one of the things we talked about back in 2018-2019 was about maintaining the population.'
Greg Puckett, Mercer County Commissioner
There will be a few exceptions when it comes to the 'altering' of animals, such as a 'Unaltered License' or medical exemptions.
Furever Fixed Clinic to offer low-cost spay and neuter services for Mercer County
Puckett said the community has been fairly positive about these upcoming Ordinances. Now, with local animal groups backing the ordinances, the commission can move forward.
'We felt that it was time now that we've had some uniform operation with our local animal groups, that it was time to go ahead and do both of these into this was the first reading we had this previous Tuesday. We will put that again on the 24th of June.'
'We felt that it was time now that we've had some uniform operation with our local animal groups, that it was time to go ahead and do both of these. This was the first reading we had this previous Tuesday. We will put that again on the 24th of June discussion.'
Greg Puckett, Mercer County Commissioner
If the second reading is accepted, the ordinances can successfully move forward.
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