ALVMA receives $2.5 million for spays/neuters

Alameda, Calif.-The Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA) establishesits first spay/neuter program for dogs and cats of the state's low-incomeresidents after a pet rescue foundation promises to donate $2.5 millionfor the project.

The donor is Maddie's Fund, a foundation that helps the nation's animalshelters establish community-wide adoption guarantees for healthy dogs andcats. The group recently announced it would award the ALVMA $610,000 tosupport the first year of the two-year program.

The first-year goal is to alter 10,000 dogs and cats starting July 1.Next year, the group estimates 30,000 pets will be neutered.

"Various spay/neuter campaigns in the past have been successfulin the short term, but those Band-Aid types of efforts have not stoppedthe flood of unwanted animals coming into the shelters," ALVMA ExecutiveDirector Dr. Charles Franz says. "We're anxious to measure the resultsof a comprehensive project like this one."

The cost to owners is $5 per cat and $10 per dog. Clients are asked toshow proof of low income with a Medicaid card.