Since the mid-80s Dr. Richard Heersche of the Wellington Animal Clinic has been euthanizing cats and dogs on a regular basis for the City of Wellington – a job he says he'd rather not do.
Every year, hundreds of cats and dogs are put to sleep by Heersche after they are abandoned by their owners or aren't found good homes, he said. According to city records, in 2007, 105 dogs were euthanized along with 260 cats – an average of one animal per day.
The veterinarian hates putting the animals to sleep, but says it's a reality the City has to deal with.
"It's not a very nice thing about what we have to do, but in order to control some of the population of pets, it's an unfortunate but necessary part of it," Heersche said.
Spring and summer are the worst times of year for the Wellington Animal Clinic, with an influx of new kittens and puppies filling kennels every day, sometimes when the facility is to capacity. Stray dogs are also a problem in the summer time, Heersche said.
“Luckily most of the dogs and cats that are picked up get to go home again," he said. "But there are still some that don't. It's kind of a bad deal. Some of them, we know who they belong to and the people just won't get them for whatever reason. It's a headache."
The leading cause of the death of these animals, Heersche said, is the irresponsibility of the owners who are supposed to be caring for them. Not being able to afford a pet is a big factor in which dogs end up at his clinic. Some animals have been left behind because owners couldn't afford a $16 rabies shot and City dog license starting at $3.
"We get these dogs in here and people won't come get them. I had one here the other day and they didn't have the $15 to pay the police department, but they must have found the money because they came out here and didn't pay me and I doubt that I'll ever see the money. That's just the nature of the beast sometimes," Heersche said. "The problem isn't the animals. It's the owners. You know, the thing that saddens me the most sometimes is the fact they won't come get their animals."
The problem isn't just for the veterinarian, but for the Wellington taxpayer. To put all 365 animals to sleep, the City of Wellington spent $16,579 in monthly billing to the Wellington Animal Clinic. Based on a population of 8,000 residents, that's little over $2 every citizen pays to manage the overpopulation of animals in Wellington.
"It does cost the city a bit of money to do this every year and I don't question that at all," Heersche said.
City Manager Gus Collins says the cost covers the five days the city must board the animals, and city records state the city also pays for the cost of the drug that used to kill the animals. Heersche said he has cut the City a break and euthanizes the animals free of charge.
There is nothing the City can do to stop the rising cost of euthanizing animals, Collins said. Keeping residents safe from stray animals who may bite or spread disease is a priority for Wellington, he said, and something that can't be ignored.
"It's such a small amount [of money] to deal with...It's almost three-quarters of a mil and when you look at our 72 mils you look at the point of 'Is this worth it?' and we've measured it and it makes sense," Collins said.
And as long as there is a need to control the animal population, there will always be a cost to taxpayers.
"Believe me, I've thought of that problem since I was a child ... if I knew an answer, we wouldn't be here," said Wellington City Council member Cindy Antonich.
Current regulations such as the recently instituted tethering law, have helped keep dogs out of Heersche's clinic, she said.
Currently, the Wellington Animal Clinic has struck some luck and has only one cat up for adoption. Heersche said he and his staff try to do everything they can to adopt out the animals before it gets to putting them to sleep, but often times there aren't enough homes to go around. Though the more than 300 animals in 2007 were killed, 161 others were returned to their homes or adopted out.
"We'll do everything to get them in a good home," Heersche said.
Antonich said if owners would take responsibility for their animals, dogs and cats would have a loving home and the City would have more money in it's pocket. Antonich said repeat offenders have caused undue burden on the City and on Heersche.
"Richard shouldn't have to go through that every other day or every week. It's horrible. It all comes down to responsibility. If you can't afford it, don't get it, It's that simple. It's too easy not to get a dog. I'll say it over and over again. There are just too many reasons not to get one. They are too expense or you don't have time, or whatever. Think about it seriously before you go out and get one. Sure, puppies are cute, but what about a year from now? There is no such thing as a free puppy. You always end up paying in the long run," she said.
Dr. Heersche said it comes down to a simple principle.
"If you own an animal you should take care of it," he said.
For more information on how to get vouchers to spade or neuter your pet, volunteer as an animal foster home, or to make a donation, contact the Wellington Human Society at www.wellingtonhumanesociety.net.
Wellington, Kan. —
