HUMANE SOCIETY TO GIVE SPAY-NEUTER VOUCHERS

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, along with a number of local veterinarians, will offer free spays and neuters Tuesday, Feb. 23, to mark National Spay and Neuter Day.

The Humane Society has designated $3,750 for the project. Money comes from forfeited spay and neuter deposits and from Debbie Litzelfelner, a Humane Society volunteer. Litzelfelner received an award last year for her volunteer efforts. She donated the $750 prize toward this project.

Cynthia Kothe, program coordinator for the Humane Society, said vouchers for spays and neuters will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. The vouchers have a three-month expiration date.

Animals need not be adopted pets from the shelter. Any pet can be altered using these vouchers.

A group of participating veterinarians will do all the spays and neuters at reduced cost and the Humane Society will pay the balance. Prices normally range from $17.50 to $70 depending on the age, sex and weight of the animal.

"The Humane Society really feels spay and neuter is the key to solving the pet overpopulation problem," Kothe said.

Last year, the shelter took in more than 5,000 animals.

Additional donations are welcome. "With assistance from concerned citizens, we can truly make a difference in the pet overpopulation in our area," Kothe said.

Participating veterinarians:

Cape Small Animal Clinic

Bollinger County Vet Clinic

Dogwood Veterinary Hospital

Jackson Veterinary Clinic

LaCroix Pet Hospital

Schupp Animal Hospital

Scott City Animal Clinic

Skyview Animal Clinic

Merry Lea Animal Hospital

Crosspoint Animal Hospital

Cox Small Animal Clinic