Feb 14, 2008 6:36 pm US/Eastern
SPCA Starts New Spay & Neuter Program
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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The SPCA says Baltimore is overpopulated with homeless pit bulls and feral cats and it plans to make a dent in that problem.
The SPCA says Baltimore is overpopulated with homeless pit bulls and feral cats and it plans to make a dent in that problem.
Suzanne Collins reports on the new low-cost spay and neuter clinic that will serve the animal population.
Stella is a four-month-old pit bull. Her mother was found abandoned and pregnant in the city. She was given an anesthetic just before being spayed at the SPCA on Thursday. The city resident who adopted Stella took advantage of the new program that focuses on curbing the number of pit bulls and feral cats that must be put down every year.
"I take her out frequently and I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to make a statement how important it is to spay and neuter dogs, especially in my area and the breed of dog," said Stella's owner Ann Coleman.
The new spay and neuter clinic will have very low fees, just covering the costs of surgery. It will serve lower income city residents and also animal rescue groups.
"Some estimates suggest up to five million animals are dying every year and that's just in shelters," says Dr. Lillian Alfaro, a veterinarian for the SPCA. "We don't take into account animals dying from neglect on the street."
In Baltimore and most urban areas these two types of animals fill shelters and usually end up euthanized.
"What we want to do is help pets and people who need it the most. Pit bulls and cats are the most frequent victims of abandonment in our community which is very sad," said Aileen Gabbey, SPCA exec director.
Stella's owner wanted to make a difference, both by carrying through by spaying and by adopting the animal in the first place.
"That really struck a chord when I heard of these puppies in need," said Coleman. "I went to my friend and said I'll take one."
The SPCA used to have a neuter scooter that went around the city spaying animals, but it's believed that this high volume clinic will have a bigger impact.
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