AIKEN --- Pet owners who want to sterilize their dogs or cats on the county's dime better act fast.
The money allocated for the county's subsidized animal sterilization program is supposed to be spent by the end of June, and workers are going to stop issuing the vouchers to pet owners soon.
But county workers aren't even sure how much money has been spent from the program's bank account because veterinarians haven't cashed in many of the vouchers yet.
Bobby Arthurs, who oversees the county's animal shelter, said he does not know how much of the money is left, but the county will probably stop issuing the vouchers in mid-June to give workers time to process them.
About 150 vouchers have been given out so far, Mr. Arthurs said.
Pet owners probably are thinking, "If we've got to do one, let's do the female," he said.
The pet-sterilization program, which pays up to $100 to spay a dog, began this spring, although the money was earmarked last year.
Sheran Proctor, the chairwoman of the county's animal control advisory committee, said if the board had known last year that it had $30,000 to spend, it would have started the program much sooner. Now, she said, committee members fear not all of the money will be spent by June 30, when the county's fiscal year ends.
Unless the county council grants an extension, she said, any leftover cash would go away.
"I hope they will" grant an extension, Mrs. Proctor said, "so that we can have a whole year to see whether this is working."
The pet sterilization is just one of several efforts the county has undertaken in recent months to increase spays and neuters and animal adoption. It also has cut adoption fees at the shelter for animals already sterilized.
Now the shelter is asking for donations to care for those waiting for adoption. It needs stainless steel food and water dishes, blankets, and dog and cat toys.
But the pet sterilization program -- aimed at low-income pet owners who otherwise might not be able to afford to spay or neuter their animal -- has been very popular, Mrs. Proctor said.
"We're very pleased that so many people have picked up the vouchers and gone through the trouble of filling them out," she said.
Reach Sandi Martin at (803) 648-1395, ext. 111, or sandi.martin@augustachronicle.com.
Comments
If you cannot afford to spay/neuter your pets then why have one. If you cannot afford that, then how can you afford to take your pet to the vet for yearly exams and then God forbid you pet gets sick how do you pay for it. People need to realize how expensive pet ownership is before taking it on.
Well said, champagne. It is heartbreaking to watch a puppy die an awful death due to the fact that it's owners couldn't pony up $15 for a parvo shot.
Why are taxpayers paying for this?
Because it's cheaper to pay for the spay/neuter procedure than to have to house the multiple litters of unwanted animals that spring forth due to the high number of morons living in the CSRA.
Spay the morons!
Taking money by force of government and giving the money to others to pay for sterilization of their pets is an egregious abuse of governmental power. No matter how expensive the shelters are, such a transfer of money from one taxpayer to another cannot be justified.
Understand your outrage, however, animals without homes, shots, or care can turn into feral packs and cause increases in disease to humans and other animals. I personally find it more of an abuse to use tax money to pay for trips, gas, and cell phones.
i can't believe this. bullets and a shovel will work just fine. waisted money...typical. some chick felt sorry for an animal, now we got to pay for it...what a load of BS....
sanders20, what is wrong with you? Did your parents not get you a puppy when you were a kid? There are a lot of responsible pet owners out there- myself included- who are glad there is assistance for people who may not be able to afford to spay or neuter their pets, but have as much love as anyone to offer to a pet. There are also a lot of vets who offer discounted rates for vaccines, as well as spay/neuter clinics. Just because you may not have a lot of money does not mean you sholdn't have a pet. Just be responsible with them, and seek discounted clinics.
I agree with spaying/neutering the morons!
As a person who has no pets, all I have to say is where is the money for Childcare, Gasoline, Fertilized, Electricity, Water, Food and the multitude of things I have to pay for. If you animal lovers are so loving, then you pick up the tab, but leave my taxes for bus service, roads, trash pick-up etc. Do it like europe, Dogs and cats must be registered and the owner must carry liability insurance. The registration is tattooed in the ear and owners, alone, are very liable for their pets.
Another thought. I didn't realize the procedure in place for disbursing funds. First, set up an advisory committee. Second, appoint people who have no concept of what the working slob goes through daily to make ends meet. Third, come up with a plan (remember you answer to no one, so any plan will do). Fourth, get your good friend the commissioner to fund the plan for a year (remember its just tax money, and nothing is too good or too expensive for the taxpayer). After a year go back and see what happened. If it was good, double fund it next time, if not try to get it extended another year (remember its only taxes and .....).
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