In an effort to create stronger neighborhood outcomes, reduce the number of stray animals, and improve live release rates at Tulsa Animal Services (TAS), the City of Tulsa is implementing new fines for unaltered and abandoned animals. Mayor Monroe Nichols, District 1 City Councilwoman Vanessa Hall-Harper, Tulsa Animal Services team members, and partners from the animal rescue community joined in the announcement today to bring light to this public safety issue.
Currently, 85% of animals arriving at TAS are unaltered – a statistic that underscores a crisis that demands immediate attention.
Spay and neuter services are more than just checking the box. More importantly, spaying & neutering your pets:
Reduces pet overpopulation and increases live release rates at TAS
Reduces the risk of disease
Reduces the risk of certain cancers
Improves certain behaviors and aggressive tendencies
“This announcement sends a loud and clear message to Tulsans and reaffirms our commitment to ending the pet overpopulation crisis that we face in every part of our city,” Mayor Nichols said. “These new rules and options are not just about making sure people know where we stand; they’re about creating safer neighborhoods and empowering people with a sense of protection and safety no matter where they live.”
Starting today, fines for owning an unaltered pet are increasing from $75 to $250, with repeat offenders now facing penalties of up to $500. Moreover, to better tackle the ongoing crisis of animal abandonment, fines are also increasing from $75 to $300.
Fines for unaltered pets will be dismissed when the pet owner shows proof that the pet has been spayed or neutered. However, if a person continues to keep an unaltered pet after multiple offenses, they could face additional fines.
To alleviate the cost burden of the increased fines, owners ticketed for having unaltered pets may be eligible to receive a voucher for reduced-cost spay/neuter procedures and have the fines waived after showing proof of spay/neuter services.
Vouchers will reduce spay/neuter services to $30 at designated partner organizations, including TAS, Tulsa Humane Society, Tulsa SPCA, and the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals.
"While these fines underscore our seriousness in addressing pet overpopulation issues, we're not here to punish pet owners who are struggling financially; we want to provide real solutions,” Tulsa Animal Services Director Sherri Carrier said. “Partnering with local organizations allows us to support those needing assistance paying for these important procedures."
In addition to these changes, Mayor Nichols recently announced the formation of a standalone Animal Services Department under the Public Safety Division. This strategic move enhances TAS's ability to collaborate with law enforcement and other City departments to address the surge of animal-related issues.
“Increasing responsible pet ownership is vital for the health and safety of our community,” Public Safety Commissioner Laurel Roberts said. “By promoting spaying and neutering, we address the critical issue of overpopulation and foster safer environments for families and their pets. Establishing Animal Services under Public Safety allows us to work more effectively with law enforcement and emergency responders to tackle animal-related incidents.”
For more information on affordable spay/neuter options, contact Tulsa Animal Services at (918) 596-8010 or visit www.cityoftulsa.org/TAS.