Tuesday is "Spay Day USA," and the Humane Society of St. Thomas is hosting a booth at Port of Sale Shopping Mall in Havensight where applications for free spaying and neutering will be taken from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The national event is designed to overcome the tragedy of animal over population by encouraging all pet owners to get their animals spayed or neutered. The society released some startling and sobering statistics. Every year approximately seven million animals have to be euthanized for lack of a home. One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in just six years.
According to shelter spokesperson Lisa Walker, who is handling the Spay Day program, about 2,000 animals on St. Thomas, alone, have to be euthanized every year. "About 200 to 250 animals are brought in every month," Walker said. She explained that most, but not all, of the animals are adoptable, as some are too sick. She said "In our newsletter we always tell the truth, but we are trying to change the truth we have to tell."
Walker stressed that the program is free, and it is not necessary to bring your pet. Also, it's possible to pick up a certificate for another person's pet. The certificates expire April 30.
With the shelter's bereft financial status, Walker said, "people might wonder how we are affording this." She explained that several years ago a local resident, Ethel Brinkerhoff, left a legacy to the shelter with the bequest that the money be used for two things only, no operating costs. The spay and neuter program is one item, and an education program is the other. Local veterinarians do the operations at a discounted fee.
Applications for the certificates are also available at the Animal Shelter in Nadir or at Fine Friends of Feathers in Bovoni.
