Event aims to spay/neuter pets

Friday, March 12, 2010

BEDFORD – The Manchester Animal Shelter and the Animal Rescue League of NH have announced a collaborative spay/neuter effort scheduled for Sunday, March 14, at the ARL.

This event is being held in honor of Spay Day USA, an annual campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International “to inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats.”

“We are thrilled to be combining our efforts with the Manchester Animal Shelter to help celebrate Spay Day USA 2010,” said Maureen Prendergast, the ARL’s animal cruelty investigator and outreach coordinator.

“It means a lot to us to be able to assist so many cat owners who otherwise might not be able to find assistance to spay and neuter their pets.”

The two shelters have independently battled the overpopulation of felines in New Hampshire.

Due to the large influx of unwanted litters in the past year, the organizations have decided to combine their resources to create one large subsidized clinic which will be open to the public by appointment only.

Combined, the two organizations take in approximately 3,200 animals each year with a little more than 76 percent of these animals coming to the shelters unaltered.

Both organizations have committed to having 100 percent of their dogs and cats altered prior to adoption. This collaboration will help the two groups expand their services to a wider area and create a more significant impact on the surrounding communities.

“We are excited to be working with the Animal Rescue League of NH to help combat the overpopulation of cats,” said Journey Ewell, co-president of the Manchester Animal Shelter’s Board of Directors.

“So many cats arrive at both shelters every year and we must reduce the number that come in. By spaying and neutering your pets you can be an important part of the solution.”

Five local veterinarians – Kim Trahan, Karen Tinkham, Lisa Anderson, Cheryl Donnell and Masuma Barrett – have agreed to donate services for this special event.

With their combined resources and a group of dedicated volunteers, they are aiming to alter 60 cats on March 14.

Fees will be based on a sliding scale.

Owners will be able to have their cat altered and also have distemper and rabies vaccines brought up to date at this event.

Manchester residents can call the Manchester Animal Shelter at 628-3544 to book an appointment.

All other Southern New Hampshire residents can contact Maureen Prendergast at 471-0888 to book an appointment.

The ARL is at 545 Route 101, Bedford.