HONOLULU, Hawaii (Island News) – A public hearing over Honolulu’s proposed spay and neuter program drew passionate testimony Thursday, with nearly everyone agreeing Oahu needs more affordable veterinary services – but sharply divided over what should happen to free-roaming cats after they’re sterilized.
The City and County of Honolulu is proposing new administrative rules that would expand its public spay and neuter program by partnering with participating veterinary clinics across Oahu. The proposal also updates reimbursement rates paid to veterinarians and continues discounted surgeries for qualifying low-income residents.
Under the proposed fee schedule, standard fees would be $450 to spay a female dog, $300 to neuter a male dog, $120 to spay a female cat and $100 to neuter a male cat. Residents with an EBT card, Medicaid card or qualifying housing assistance voucher could purchase certificates allowing them to pay just $20 for the procedure…