Free spay, neuter program begins
Eight area veterinary offices have agreed to spay and neuter animals for free.
Applications are available now for Stomp Out Strays, a new initiative that seeks to drastically reduce the problem of animal overpopulation in Aiken County. Aiken County Animal Shelter and veterinary office staff believe the large amount of dogs and cats roaming the county as strays can be directly attributed to pet owners failing to sterilize their pets.
Unwanted litters can find their way to the County Shelter and may be euthanized if they are not adopted.
The shelter has a spay/neuter voucher program, but, because of its popularity, vouchers are being rationed to 25 a month in hopes the money allocated will last to the end of the fiscal year. Stomp Out Strays ensures that qualified households that did not get a voucher can still have their pet fixed at no cost.
Veterinarian Charlie Timmerman with Aiken Veterinarian Clinic said people have already picked up applications at the office.
“The stray population is getting out of control,” he said. “The Aiken SPCA, the County shelter and vets can’t solve it on their own. The public has to get involved. It’s going to take a group effort. We’ll give it a year and see if we can make a dent.”
Aiken County Animal Control Chief Enforcement Officer Bobby Arthurs said now residents have no more excuses.
The Aiken SPCA, which is also dedicated to minimizing the large population of unwanted animals, has volunteered to provide transportation to those who are not otherwise able to make a trip to the vet’s office.
“What the vets are doing is absolutely wonderful,” Arthurs said. “We are so grateful we have concerned people who are stepping up to help us.”
Households eligible for Stomp Out Strays must meet an annual income equal to or less than what is indicated on the application for the amount of people in the family. For instance, a household of three with a total yearly income equal to or less than $38,450 is qualified to have their pet fixed for free.
Arthurs still encourages residents to apply for vouchers at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.
Applications for vouchers and Stomp Out Strays are available at the shelter, 411 Wire Road, and at the eight participating veterinary offices.
Aiken Animal Hospital 648-4401
Ark Animal Hospital 648-4245
Aiken Veterinary Clinic 648-6886
Hammond Hills Animal Hospital 279-4090
Martintown Animal Hospital 278-1930
Palmetto Vet Calls 645-6556
Silver Bluff Animal Hospital 642-9053
Veterinary Services 648-5489
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