LOTS OF INTERST IN CURBING PET POPULATION

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri is taking a more proactive stance in the fight against an out-of-control pet population.

The society is certainly the perfect organization to lead the fight. After all, these are the people who must eventually deal with thousands of unwanted dogs, cats and other pets.

The local Humane Society recently participated in Spay Day USA, giving away vouchers to pet owners for use at area veterinary clinics.

The response was tremendous. The Humane Society had set aside $3,750 for the project.

A line formed more than three hours before the center opened on Spay Day. In all, the Humane Society distributed 162 vouchers, valued at about $5,300.

That kind of response demonstrates that many pet owners are willing to spay or neuter their animals but may not have the wherewithal to pay for the procedure. Prices normally range from $17.50 to $70 depending on the age, sex and weight of the animal.

This kind of program may go a long way toward curbing the pet population. If each of those 162 animals were responsible for a litter of six this summer, that would result in nearly additional 1,000 animals. That's a substantial figure when you consider the shelter took in more than 5,000 unwanted animals last year.

The Humane Society should be congratulated for taking matters into its own hands in the fight against pet overpopulation.