Humane Society stresses need to spay/neuter your pet
The overwhelming majority of the babies are born to loving parents who provide them a warm and safe home. Sadly, that’s not the case with the puppies and kittens. Because there are not enough homes for these animals, around 16,000 are killed each day in shelters across the U.S. That’s 5.8 million a year.
Millions more are never brought to shelters. They die on the streets from accidents, disease and starvation.
Perhaps part of the reason for this pet overpopulation problem is a lack of knowledge on the part of pet owners. The Humane Society continues to stress the need to spay/neuter your pet. In addition to being the only solution to this devastating problem, spay/neuter ensures better health and behavior and a longer life span for the animal.
The procedures are safe and relatively painless and should be performed when the animal is 6 to 8 months old. Any cost incurred will more than be recovered in reduced veterinary bills during the animal’s lifetime.
The Humane Society will continue to aid families for which this procedure is cost prohibitive. During the past summer three spay/neuter clinics were co-sponsored by the local Humane Society. A total of 160 animals were spayed/neutered at no cost to the owners. A grant from the Tennessee State Animal Friendly License Plate Fund will cover the cost of spaying/neutering an additional 120 animals.
Feb. 24 is Spay Day USA 2004. The Humane Society would like to participate in this event by hiring veterinarians in Warren and surrounding counties. The veterinarians could devote the entire day to doing spay/neuter procedures.
To fund this event, as well as continued spay/neuter assistance, the Humane Society has set up a special account designated solely for this purpose. Grant money, as well as money from specific fundraisers, will be placed in this account. The account balance is currently $750.
Anyone wishing to help make this event a success by providing financial assistance may make contributions to the Humane Society. Donations need to be designated for this specific purpose. Donations are tax deductible.
Announcements of upcoming events and plans for Spay Day USA will be made soon. Plan to be a part of this event by having a pet spayed/neutered, being a sponsor, or just by participating in one of the fundraisers.
If you are planning to adopt a pet, please remember to check with the local Humane Society. Presently, the shelter has several beautiful cats and dogs looking for a home.