RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Animal Welfare Section reimbursed counties more than half a million dollars for spay/neuter procedures for pets belonging to low-income residents in 2012.
Overall, 28 counties requested nearly $562,500 in reimbursements for 9,529 surgeries performed. The Animal Welfare Section was able to reimburse $550,235.
“The reimbursements are partially funded by fees collected from the Animal Lovers specialty license plate,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, whose retriever, Kate, is fixed. “Fixing cats and dogs is the best solution to the pet overpopulation problem in North Carolina. If you want to help with the problem, consider an Animal Lovers license plate. ”
According to the N.C. Veterinary Medical Association, spaying or neutering decreases the risk of cancer in dogs and cats, decreases aggressive behaviors and eliminates most urine marking behaviors, among a host of other benefits.
The Spay/Neuter reimbursement report and other information are available online at www.ncspayneuter.com.