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Borger residents urge mandatory microchipping, low-cost spay/neuter and volunteer task force to cut shelter intake
Summary
A resident-led plea at the May 20 Borger City Council meeting called for mandatory microchipping, subsidized spay/neuter and a community animal task force to reduce shelter intake and euthanasia rates.
Jack Mustard, a lifelong Borger resident, told the City Council on May 20 that the city is facing an animal-shelter crisis driven by high intake and insufficient capacity. "We are in a crisis," Mustard said, urging the council to adopt what he called "Mustard's principles," including a low-cost mandatory spay/neuter program and enforceable microchipping requirements.
Mustard said a $1 monthly charge on water bills could produce $25,000 to $30,000 a month to fund sterilization programs, and he recommended partnerships with local veterinarians and nonprofits to subsidize care. "Microchipping is inexpensive, effective, and proven to reunite pets with families," Mustard said. He described paying adoption fees for more than 30 animals in the region over the prior three months and said the goal is to “turn off the faucet” of new intakes rather than only addressing animals already in the shelter.
Animal advocate Sharon Prague and others at the meeting urged mandatory city licensure tied to rabies vaccination and microchipping. Prague said mandatory microchipping "has to come with free microchipping" to make the rule workable and stressed that registration, rabies compliance and microchipping together would help animal control identify owners more quickly, reduce shelter stays and lower costs to the city.
Council and staff discussed funding and existing regional resources. City staff identified a potential philanthropic route: the Amber Fund Committee at the Amarillo Area Foundation, which can accept grant applications through a nonprofit partner and might fund low-cost spay/neuter or free microchipping in adjacent counties. Mustard and Prague said they would help connect the city with veterinary programs, including outreach work by Texas Tech and Amarillo-area providers.
No ordinance or formal council action was taken at the meeting. Council members thanked speakers and said the points would be considered as staff explores funding and program options.
Ending: The council did not vote on policy changes at the meeting; speakers requested further study, outside funding, and partnerships. City staff and local advocates agreed to pursue grant and nonprofit pathways and to report back to the council.
