State's spay/neuter program reinstated to subsidize control

The news is good for pet owners - Georgia's Dog and Cat Sterilization Program (DCSP) was re-instated on Friday, September 1, according to Tommy Irvin, Georgia commissioner of agriculture.

Between November of 2003 and April of 2005, the program provided more than $1 million in spay/neuter subsidies to pet owners, with 711 veterinarians performing spay/neuter procedures on pets in all 159 Georgia counties. During this time, 92 percent of all monies received were used to fund the subsidy program.

Then, in April of 2005, the subsidy program had to be suspended due to lack of funding.

Because the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program receives no public tax funding, it relies on donations to achieve its critical spay/neuter mission. Specialty license plate sales currently provide the primary source of funding for the DCSP.

Georgians may purchase the new "Buddy" license plate, featuring a Golden Retriever, or the original "Dog and Cat" license plate at county tag offices statewide for a one-time fee of $25. More than $22 from each license plate sold is specifically earmarked for spay/neuter procedures performed by licensed and accredited veterinarians and for educational outreach to promote the healthy choice of spaying/neutering.

"Increased sales of our new 'Buddy' license plate as well as the 2006 State Income Tax Checkoff on tax returns filed in 2007 will allow us to continue this important program and in the process, help curb pet overpopulation in our state," said Commissioner Irvin.

"Many Georgians do not spay or neuter their animals, resulting in thousands of dogs and cats being euthanized because only a few are adopted," the commissioner continued. "This program saves the lives of dogs and cats without increasing taxes. We're encouraging all motorists to 'drive with a Buddy.'"

In addition to purchasing the specialty license plates for their vehicles, individuals may make a donation directly to the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program in honor or in memory of a loved one or a pet by writing the DCSP at P.O. Box 347043, Atlanta, Georgia, 303347043, or by calling the organization at 1-404-656-3667.

According to the department of agriculture, spaying/neutering reduces:

The number of stray dogs and cats.

The number of dogs and cats housed and killed in shelters.

The burden on cities and counties for animal control.

The destruction of property and livestock. Health risks.

Car accidents.

The destruction of wildlife and wildlife habitats.

The spread of diseases.