SOLEDAD — Councilmembers have made progress toward the City of Soledad becoming the first in the county to adopt a dog breeding license program.
During its April 7 meeting, Soledad City Council voted 4-0 to approve a new ordinance that would require fees for residents to breed dogs within city limits. The ordinance will take effect 30 days following the adoption.
The ordinance is the result of a recommendation put forth by SNIP Bus president Melanie Scherer last November. Scherer detailed the animal abuse that takes place among unregulated breeders during last year’s pitch and asked that Soledad consider becoming a trendsetter in protecting animals in Monterey County.
Scherer’s SNIP Bus operates throughout the region and offers regular spay and neuter services in South Monterey County. She said the new ordinance in conjunction with the spay and neuter services offered in the community will be a step toward curbing the suffering of animals.
“I think that we will definitely see an impact in the number of impounds in our city and other animal-related issues we have within our city,” said Mayor Pro Tem Carla Strobridge.
Strobridge echoed the need, even for basic spay and neuter services, noting the SNIP Bus often has its schedule packed with appointments the day it plans to head to South Monterey County.
“We’re the first city in Monterey County to adopt this ordinance and I’m super proud of that,” Strobridge said.
Councilman Alejandro Chavez said there was a need to make an ordinance that works and protect the city from future lawsuits.
“Being the first is always tough and always challenging, but it means we’re trying to do something new and something good,” Chavez said.
