Story By Sandra Emerson | Redlands Daily Facts
REDLANDS — People looking to take in a new furry family member this summer, will have an opportunity to do so Aug. 5 and 6 at a reduced cost.
Assemblyman Marc Steinorth and the Humane Society of the United States will again host the Steinorth 100 Pet Adoption Event on Aug. 5 and 6 at the Redlands Animal Shelter.
Steinorth will sponsor the cost of the first 100 pets, to encourage the adoption of shelter animals but to also bring awareness to legislation pending before the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Assembly Bill 976, introduced by Steinorth last year, would offer a tax reduction of up to $100 for people who adopt a pet 4 years and older or a cat from a nonprofit shelter or rescue.
“This brings awareness to that legislation,” Steinorth said. “And it points out why and how a tax incentive or a monetary incentive will make a difference in people’s decision on how to choose their animals.”
Steinorth said with four weeks left in session, the committee can still choose to act on the legislation. If the bill fails, he said he will try again.
“I understand how absolutely valuable it is for us to not only find forever homes for our furry friends, but also this is really good government,” Steinorth said. “Local government spends about $130 million a year in maintaining their shelters.”
By reducing the pet population in city or county run shelters, more taxpayer dollars could be used toward public safety, roads and schools, Steinorth said.
The Redlands City Council on Tuesday considered reducing adoption fees to $30 for dogs and $30 for cats adopted at the shelter during the event.
Bill Miller, animal services supervisor, said 68 pets were adopted at last year’s event.
“It was our biggest adoption day ever,” Miller said.
Miller said they are already signing up volunteers to help this year.
Steinorth’s adoption event is also planned for Aug. 5-7 at the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care and Adoption Center and the Devore Animal Shelter; as well as Aug. 5 and 6 at the San Bernardino Animal Shelter.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Story By Sandra Emerson | Redlands Daily Facts
Sandra covers the city of Redlands. Reach the author at semerson@scng.com or follow Sandra on Twitter: @TheFactsSandra
