SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC STATISTICS

The following statistics are reported by other shelters/groups offering free and low cost spay/neuter programs. New Hampshire:  In 1993, 11,500 companion animals were destroyed - this number had  remained close to the same for a decade.  In 1994, a spay/neuter assistance program was put in place.  By 1998, less than 5,000 companion animals were destroyed - a drop of almost 60% in only 5 years!! New Hampshire: Cost of the spay/neuter assistance program for 5 years was $840,000. During that time, 22,000 fewer companion animals entered their shelters. That equals a $1.5 million savings on impoundment costs alone - not to mention the savings to municipalities from reduced animal control expenses!!

Virginia & West Virginia: A spay/neuter assistance program launched in 1994, and spayed/neutered 8,000 animals in 4 years. Virginia's population growth rate during this time was 3 1/2%, but they saw a 25% decrease in animals coming into their area shelters between 1996 & 1997.

Montgomery County, Virginia: shelter intakes have dropped 50% in three years. The veterinarians who helped with this program reported an incredible 75% of the people they assisted with spays/neuters became clients!!

New Orleans: nuisance calls at shelter dropped an incredible 80% in the first year. 20% decrease in animal impoundments and a 22% drop in animals destroyed in just under 3 years.

Several other shelters and groups reported a 20%-50% drop in shelter intakes within 1-5 years depending on the aggressiveness of their programs.

What does this mean? Spay/Neuter programs work; they save lives and save money on animal control. We can make a difference, but we must be diligent - have you ever seen the equation: TALK (-) ACTION = 0? We must believe this and take action!!!