Spay and neuter

TO THE EDITOR:

I thoroughly agree with Mayor Ruth Penney-Bell that something needs to be done about the unneutered cats and dogs, not only in Texarkana, Ark., but also in Texarkana, Texas.

However, I disagree with enacting another unenforceable code in the Cities.

At the present time we have “trash codes, grass and weed codes, noise codes, abandoned building codes, burned building codes, etc.” Anyway you get the idea. None of these codes on either side of the state line can be enforced. I listen to the BASS BOOMBOOM while driving on the city streets and in my home. I get a notice from the city anytime my grass gets about 10 inches tall (which I should) but driving around in the cities I see vacant lots, abandoned structures and even businesses with grass and weeds plus trash, i.e. 21st and Pine, 20th and Magnolia, 21st and Hazel, not only in the neighborhoods but on Highway 67, 59, 82, which are the entrances into the cities. We tout Texarkana to tourists, but what do they see upon entering the cities?

A better idea pertaining to the animal situation would be to offer an incentive to owners to have their animals neutered. At the present time, the cost is prohibitive to many people, especially those on fixed incomes. Possibly the cities could enter into an agreement with the local veterinarian’s to supplement the cost of the procedure and require the owner to bring proof that the animal has been neutered. I believe owners would be more receptive to this idea than being fined for failing to neuter their animal.

Delita Lusk Texarkana, Texas