Pit bull spay/neuter discount continues through December
11/26/2006
“Some days more than half of the dogs in the Humboldt County Animal Shelter are pit bulls or pit bull mixes,” said Linda Hall-Martin, a co-founder of Friends For Life Animal Rescue.
“They’re getting dumped at a huge rate up there,” she said. “We think the best way to solve the problem is to stop the breeding,” which is why Friends For Life is sponsoring a $5 spay/neuter special for pits and pit mixes through the end of December.
Any low-income pit bull owner is eligible for the discount, as are those who need financial assistance to alter companion animals they have found or rescued and are trying to place in new homes.
Interested pet owners can phone Friends For Life at 707-442-5999, select option 2, and leave a message, including a name and telephone number.
A spay/neuter volunteer will return the call within 48 hours, and fill out a registration form over the phone.
The owner then sends in the $5 co-payment by check or money order to Friends For Life, P.O. Box 962, Eureka, Calif., 95502.
When payment is received, the surgery is scheduled with a local veterinarian. A volunteer will phone the pet owner with appointment information.
Then the pet owner takes the animal to the veterinarian’s office for the procedure.
“Spaying or neutering your dogs and cats will help them live longer, happier and healthier lives,” stated a Friends For Life brochure.
“Altered pets roam less, fight less and are at less risk for many health problems.”
Hall-Martin said most pit bulls are good dogs, but they can be extremely difficult to find homes for because of public perception of them.
Landlords frequently won’t rent to pit bull owners, she said. Many insurance companies will no longer provide homeowner’s coverage if a pit bull lives in the house.
The best way to keep the animals from being dumped, she said, is to have fewer of them.
Low-income owners of other pets can also take advantage of reduced-cost spay/neuter services offered by Friends For Life. Through the organization’s program, co-payments for dogs are $40 and for cats $25.
A large-dog special is also being offered with a co-payment of $25 for any dog over 45 pounds.
For additional information, phone 707-442-5999. ↓
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