Spay and neuter program is broke
It is both a positive and negative that funding for Aiken County’s spay/neuter voucher program has been depleted, according to an animal services official.
On one hand, the program’s exhaustion of funds means people are following through and having their pets spayed or neutered, said Bobby Arthurs, chief enforcement officer. On the other hand, the money has dried up at an inconvenient time, mid-breeding season.
“I hate to turn people away,” Arthurs said, “and there have been a few people.”
Council first voted to allocate $30,000 for the first round last year, believing the program would reduce the number of animal offspring left to roam as strays or be surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Another $30,000 has been included in the County’s newly proposed budget, but if approved, the money will not be available until June, when the new fiscal year starts.
Several members of the Animal Control Advisory Board spoke to Council’s Development Committee on Tuesday and urged its members to maintain funding for the vouchers.
“The money was used up in nine months,” said Jennifer Miller, board member. “The Advisory Board unanimously supports this program. It is a proven fact that unwanted animals overload the system.”
The shelter utilizes 15 runs to house adoptable animals and holds each animal for a maximum of five days before staff is forced to choose whether or not to euthanize.
Much like the City of Aiken’s spay/neuter program, the County’s program provides spay/neuter vouchers to residents who require financial assistance to have their pets fixed.
Vouchers are granted depending on the animal and its gender – a dog’s spaying is up to $100; a dog’s neutering is up to $75; a cat’s spaying is up to $75; and a cat’s neutering is up to $45. The qualified applicant presents the voucher to any veterinarian in the County. Vets accept the vouchers as payment for the surgery then turn them in to the County on a monthly basis for reimbursement.
“We can always use more money to continue the program,” Arthurs said. “I would like to see it in the County’s budget for the next five years.”
“We will continue to support (the shelter) one way or another,” Councilman Charles Barton said Tuesday.
For more information on animals available for adoption at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, visit www.petfinder.com, call 642-1537 or visit the facility at 411 Wire Road.
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