Will Minnesota’s Budget Surplus Go to the Dogs? PETA Hopes So!

Billion-Dollar Surplus Could Help Fund Animal Shelters, Subsidize Spay/Neuter Programs, and Reduce Homeless Dog and Cat Problem

For Immediate Release:
December 4, 2015

Contact:
Catie Cryar 202-483-7382

As Minnesota legislators debate what to do with the state’s projected $1.9 billion budget surplus, PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—sent Gov. Mark Dayton a letter today asking him to remember Minnesota’s cats and dogs and put some of the extra money toward animal-focused programs.

“By funding Minnesota’s animal shelters and subsidizing spay and neuter surgeries, the state could help dogs and cats who need homes today and prevent countless more from being born into an already overpopulated world,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA is asking Governor Dayton to turn this unexpected wealth into a golden opportunity to make the state a safer place for dogs, cats, and communities everywhere.”

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

PETA’s letter to Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton follows.

December 4, 2015

The Honorable Mark Dayton
Governor of Minnesota

Dear Governor Dayton:

On behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 3 million members and supporters, including thousands across Minnesota, I’m writing to ask that you remember Minnesota’s dogs, cats, and other animal companions­—as well as their human guardians—when deciding how to allocate some of your state’s $1.9 billion budget surplus. Will you please use some of this money to help fund Minnesota’s open-admission animal shelters and to combat the overpopulation and homeless-animal crisis by subsidizing spay and neuter programs across the state?

Open-admission shelters provide a vital service by taking in all homeless and stray animals in the community. Without them, these animals would be hit by cars; infected with lingering, painful diseases; attacked by other animals or cruel people; used as bait by dogfighters; or left outside to die of starvation, exposure, or neglect. This is not only a horrible loss of life but also a drain on the animal-control officers who must work to respond to all these cases.

Spay and neuter programs are a smart financial investment because they help prevent an influx of even more homeless animals. Every time we spay or neuter just one animal, we prevent the births of thousands more. And spaying and neutering not only reduces suffering but also makes animals less likely to become aggressive, get into fights, and develop certain kinds of cancer. Subsidizing spay and neuter programs ensures that these vital procedures are available to all Minnesotans, no matter what their income level is.

When you support animal shelters, all species win. Thank you for your consideration.

Very truly yours,

Ingrid E. Newkirk
President