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City unveils spay-and-neuter awareness campaign; student artwork to appear in dog parks
Summary
The city presented a spay-and-neuter public‑education campaign initiated by Ward 2 and partnered departments. Officials said they received 71 student submissions, selected 14 finalists and chose three winning designs to be installed as signage in multiple off‑leash dog parks and posted across recreation centers.
City officials and Ward 2 staff on March 5 presented a spay-and-neuter public education campaign developed with the Department of Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, and the Department of Youth Development and Social Initiatives. The campaign focuses on public education and compliance with state sterilization signage requirements, and officials emphasized an outreach strategy designed to be friendly and visible rather than punitive.
Rudy Tovar, manager overseeing animal protection services, said the effort grew from a Ward 2 initiative and aims to reduce animal overpopulation and shelter intake by increasing public awareness. Director Tammy Malich said the city opened an art contest to students ages 10–18, received 71 submissions, narrowed entries to 14 finalists, and selected three winning designs that will be displayed in city dog parks and reproduced for rec centers, senior centers, pools and sports complexes.
Deputy Parks Director Pat O’Mara listed parks where signs will be installed. The three winning student artworks and assigned parks are: Kinsey Warren’s “Take a Pause for the Cause” sign for Doug Selby, Children’s Memorial, Bark and Basin and All American dog parks; Madeline Caruso’s spay-and-neuter design for Justice Myer and Lovett JC Community Park, Police Memorial Park, Kellogg Zaire Sports Park and Rancho Oakey Dog Park (opening in about eight months); and Berkeley Garate’s “Avoid a Litter, Spay Your Critter” for Freedom, Dexter, Witter and Centennial Hills parks. Organizers said exact installation timelines are to be determined.
Malich and Tovar thanked participating city departments, the communications and graphics teams, and numerous youth participants. The council presented certificates to winning students and more than a dozen honorable mentions.
