This is such a complicated problem! Having recently (5 yrs ago) moved from the Northeast to the South, I'm seeing different factors at play in different locations. In NJ, the costs of spaying and neutering became so high that our practice was doing less and less of that surgery, people instead seeking out lower cost options like the SPCA. Here in SC, I now work at a 501c3 rescue/shelter, and we can't keep up with doing s/n on the pets that we take in! When our clinic was open more regularly, we also had to squeeze in privately owned animals to our schedule as well. But I'm amazed here at the difference in owners prioritizing spay/neuter. For example, we recently offered free spay and neuter to a hardship case after she surrendered 8 puppies to us because she was unable to pay for their care, and she REFUSED to have either of the parents altered. WTH? I think these are all reasons why overpopulation continues to plague us: lack of money, lack of veterinarians to perform surgery, and lack of education as to why s/n needs to be done. I could go on…..
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Kirsten Cianci, VMD
Palmetto Animal League
Ridgeland, SC 29936
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-23-2024 02:03 AM
From: nicole skerry
Subject: Please, we need free or subsidized spaying and neutering in America!
It is breaking my heart to see so many animal shelters across our country, crying out for help with all of the unwanted dogs and cats that are continuously streaming in their doors day after day. It is breaking my heart to know that there's so many adoptable pets being euthanized every day across our country because there's just no space for them in our shelters, rescue groups, and our homes. It is breaking my heart to hear about all the strays in our communities, trying to survive on their own. We can't let this go on. How can we band together to get a bill or a policy to provide free or subsidized spaying and neutering in all of our communities? A national policy for a national crisis! I know this will be a good start to help fix these unfortunately conditions , and untimely deaths of so many innocent lives! I am willing to give 100% my energy, time and effort to this cause. I know that as animal lovers, we are all hurting because this problem seems out of control at the moment, but there is hope to turn this around right?
I know that Best Friend Animal Sanctuary is pushing for No Kill 2025 Let's end the killing in every shelter and every community in 2025. However, it seems like we are further away from the goal than ever! I want to be part of the solution please! I have done what I can from Best Friend's Take Action… we have currently 3 dogs and 3 cats in our family and I have and will continue to foster as much as possible, but to make more of an impact, I feel that I need to think bigger… I want us to have a free or subsidized spaying and neutering policy in this country.
please help me with this endeavor.
#LawsandPublicPolicy
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Nicole Skerry
volunteer
Coastside Feral Care
Muttville
Fat Kitty City
CA
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