San Antonio faces a major problem with spay/neuter issues, pet overpopulation and reaching the elusive “no kill 2012” status.

The question of responsibility keeps surfacing but is constantly deflected and diverted toward easy targets.

The spay/neuter issue is a community problem, not just an Animal Care Services problem, a city problem or even a neighborhood problem.

It's a problem that is equally shared by the dog community, animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, the media, city leaders and every dog lover. Sixty-eight percent of San Antonio homeowners have a pet, so it is every citizen's problem.

From July 8-12, the River City Cluster of Dog Shows (RCCDS) will host five days of dog shows at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, with 3,000 purebred dogs competing daily.

Now in our 23rd year, our shows bring in more than $10 million to the city. Our knowledge and commitment to dogs put us in a unique position to understand the spay/neuter problem and to work toward a solution.

In response to the need for citizen action, the RCCDS has joined forces with Animal Care Services and city government to host the city's first Dog Awareness Week July 5-12.

The objective is to support the city's goal to become a “no-kill community” by 2012.

We need to give back to our residents and help them care for their dogs during tough economic times.

Each day of Dog Awareness Week is dedicated toward achieving responsible pet ownership by offering discounted vaccinations, adoption events, free spay/neuter opportunities and special programs.

The highlight of the week will be Cesar Millan, the “Dog Whisperer” and dog-behavior expert.

The RCCDS has arranged for him to make two public appearances on July 11 (www.rivercitycds.com).

Cesar has an innate ability to communicate with dogs. His message on spay/neuter and responsible pet ownership is strong.

His voice will reach our multicultural community in a way unequaled by anyone else.

Given our pet overpopulation issue and recent dog-related incidents, we feel the need to step up and help our community.

We will continue to partner with Animal Care Services to promote the no-kill message. Everyone must do their part. Vets should step forward to donate spay/neuter services. The media should take the message to the public. Pet owners should commit to becoming “responsible” pet owners.

Dog Awareness Week is an important step in developing a unified approach to the pet overpopulation problem. By working together, we can help solve the problem.

Margie O'Connell is a board member of the River City Cluster of Dog Shows.