Enid, Okla. — Oklahoma Representative Mickey Dollens, a Democrat from Oklahoma City, has introduced his first pet protection bill, aimed at addressing the state’s ongoing pet overpopulation crisis. The bill, which narrowly passed through a House committee on Tuesday with a 6-4 vote, seeks to create the Oklahoma Spay and Neuter Grant Program to support local animal shelters and pet rescues.
The program would provide competitive grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations in rural and low-income areas to help cover the cost of spaying and neutering pets. Dollens emphasized that the initiative is designed to make these procedures more affordable and accessible, particularly in underserved regions of Oklahoma.
“By providing funding for spaying and neutering, we can reduce the overwhelming pet population in our state and make a significant impact on animal welfare,” Dollens said. “This program is intended to target the areas most in need, where resources are limited, and we can help make a difference.”
The bill is set to start as a pilot program, managed by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, with an initial projected cost of $250,000 from the 2025-2026 budget. Dollens argued that investing in spay and neuter programs now would save the state money in the long run by preventing the costs associated with animal overpopulation, such as shelter overcrowding and euthanasia.
“Every dollar we invest in spaying and neutering will save three to five dollars on the back end,” Dollens added.
However, the proposal has faced some pushback. During the committee discussion, Representative Rob Hall, a Republican from Tulsa, questioned why municipalities and counties were not already addressing the issue if the cost savings were so significant. Dollens responded by noting that while some municipalities are investing in spay and neuter efforts, the funding available has not been sufficient to meet the scale of the problem.
The bill’s supporters highlight the impact that spaying and neutering could have on reducing euthanasia rates and improving public safety. Dollens pointed out that many small-town pet welfare programs are operating with limited budgets and are often unable to fully address the state’s pet overpopulation crisis.
“Animal welfare organizations and small-town pet welfare programs are doing their best, but they are bootstrapped with their budgets,” Dollens said. “This bill would give them the resources they need to make a meaningful difference.”
Experts say the need for such a program is urgent. Dalynda Evans, owner of Lupa Legacy Animal Rescue in Noble, stressed the importance of spaying and neutering in controlling pet populations. “It just takes two cats to make 100 cats in six months,” Evans said. “The cost of spaying a dog or cat can range from $250 to $500, which is a significant financial burden for many pet owners.”
While the bill still faces hurdles before it becomes law, Dollens remains hopeful that the initiative will move forward and help alleviate the state’s pet overpopulation problem. If passed, the Oklahoma Spay and Neuter Grant Program could provide crucial support for local shelters and rescues, offering a path toward a more sustainable and humane solution to the state’s growing pet population.
