A bill to fund low-cost sterilization of cats and dogs in Maryland received a thumbs-up from the state Senate March 21, clearing its last major hurdle before it goes to Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) for his expected signature.
The 46-1 vote came three days after the state House of Delegates endorsed the legislation by a 113-23 margin.
To reduce the number of cats and dogs killed in Maryland shelters, the bill would promote spay/neuter surgery by providing low-cost vouchers for low-income residents and making competitive grants available to animal shelters and rescue groups. The annual death toll in shelters is currently about 45,000 cats and dogs.
Two lawmakers from Prince George’s County -- Sen. Joanne Benson (D-Landover) and Del. Barbara Frush (D-Beltsville) -- were the bill’s primary sponsors.
“This program will save countless lives of dogs and cats who would have ultimately died in shelters throughout the state,” Frush told Examiner.com. “Providing low cost spay/neuter to those who could otherwise not afford it will put Maryland in the forefront of animal welfare regulations.”
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