SHIFT PET POPULATION CONTROL TACTICS
CRAZY DAVE'S CARPET OUTLET
BY JENNIFER CARMAN
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I
t is time for the city of Little Rock to get serious about reducing our pet population crisis. Cities around the nation have demonstrated that this is indeed possible, largely through policies that shift funds away from impounding and euthanasia and, instead, direct them toward free spay and neuter programs. The cost of sterilization is utterly nominal compared to the cost of impounding, sheltering and euthanizing the many unwanted pets that strays produce over their lifetime. Taxpayers foot the bill for this either way, so it only makes sense to exercise both moral and fiscal responsibility. We could liaise with officials in other cities where such programs have been successful. One such program operates in the city of Pittsburgh. That program (run by the city’s Animal Care and Control Bureau) currently provides free spaying or neutering for up to five animals per household, the maximum number that city residents are allowed to own. Furthermore, the program enables residents to bring feral cats found in their neighborhood for sterilization procedures as well. Though the city
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experimented briefly with low-cost and discounted sterilization options, they ultimately discontinued these methods in favor of a universal free option. Ultimately, a mobile spayneuter clinic or vehicle would be ideal, and there are excellent mobile programs (like one in Kansas City) from which we could draw inspiration. For the safety of animals, drivers and pedestrians alike, a program such as this could truly revolutionize one of Little Rock’s most heartbreaking problems. Mississippi River
CREATE A TOOL-LENDING LIBRARY BY JENNIFER CARMAN
T
he city of Little Rock should create a tool-lending library of sorts, with a city-owned repository of basic tools and yard equipment that residents could borrow, much like a library book. Many families have sheds full of such equipment that is utilized only once or twice a month, or perhaps even once annually. In these difficult economic times a program such as this might provide just the boost and inspiration needed for individuals who may not otherwise be able to access such commodities. Wouldn’t it be terrific to have a resource where you could borrow a ladder, lawn mower, tile saw, drill, floor nailer, rake, etc.? Items could be secured with a cash deposit or credit card, and residents could check items out for a specified period of time. Maybe patrons could also borrow
“how-to� DIY instruction manuals, and such a library could organize periodic training days to encourage and empower residents of the city to tackle home and community improvement projects. A handful of these programs exist around the country in cities such as Columbus, Berkeley, Atlanta and Seattle. Little Rock is a city in which the historic preservation opportunities are abundant, and programs such as this could be a vital component in the revitalization of homes and communities throughout our city. A Seattle-based non-profit group called Share Starter now offers a free “Tool Library Starter Kit� to any community interested in starting its own lending library.
Jennifer Carman is the president of J. CARMAN Inc., a fine-art advisory and appraisal firm based in Little Rock.
n e w a dv e n tur e s fo r 201 3
Petit Jean
Village Creek
New and improved facilities at your Arkansas state parks make for new experiences to enjoy. Lake Fort Smith State Park will feature 10 new cabins. At Mississippi River State Park, explore exhibits in the new visitor center, and camp at Beech Point Campground. Relax in Petit Jean State Park’s beautifully restored Mather Lodge. Play the 27-hole course at Village Creek State Park. Make plans for 2013 now. Call 888-AT-PARKS for a free guidebook, or visit ArkansasStateParks.com.
SCAN FOR INFO
ArkansasSt at eParks.com www.arktimes.com
DECEMBER 19, 2012
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