I agree the man most likely had no intention to go to a shelter if there’s one near you. He may next time if they talk to him. I am not trying to be argumentative but the point is not moot as it illustrates my concern should shelters close.
You brought up another point that should be addressed. The money for animal control already comes from taxpayers. They pay the money to the SPCA to do the animal control. Donors do not put money into the pound. But they do put it to the animals after they become the SPCA’s.
If there is extra money to put extra resources into cruelty prevention, the SPCA can do that while doing animal control. And yes prevention should include animal sterilization. There is some profit in animal control,why else do private people take it on? If the animal control revenue leaves so do the resources that came with it. In most cases, that includes a building to operate out of. The load of animals would merely shift to another group. Check the posting above: “Pound/SPCA relationship”. Although it is presented as a rumor, I’m no fan of rumors, it will be interesting to see what happens there.
As I cannot identify myself, correspondence by email cannot take place. Besides others could benefit from a debate using this board as a medium.