The Borderland Humane Society of International Falls urges animals owners to spay or neuter their pets. This year the BHS received a $1,000 grant from Animal Allies for spaying and neutering of pets.
On April 1, the society was able to offer through this grant the opportunity for the public who needed help to get their pets fixed. Owners were able to drop off their pet in their own kennel at the BHS Holding Facility. At that time volunteers were able to help the owners fill out necessary paperwork for the pet to have surgery. Intake of the animals was done, with information as to shots, health records, sharing of the procedure to be done on their pet and the possible risks.
Volunteers shared with the families how their pets would be comfortable that evening at the holding facility, were able to watch as their pets socialized with volunteers and other animals, and taken for long walks and runs to comfort them. At 4 a.m., BHS volunteers met a group of volunteers from the vet’s office in Duluth who drove their van to International Falls and picked up animals and brought them back the next day. A total of 24 animals were able to have their surgery done, 18 of these were from the public. BHS felt that this was such a great success that the next spay/neuter day will be done June 1.
People who cannot afford to have their animal spayed or neutered are encouraged to contact BHS for assistance. People who qualify may have a $50 voucher assigned to them to see a participating veterinarian that they choose. This money will help defray the cost of helping pets and keep them healthy.
Having pets spay/neutered reduces the cat and dog overpopulation. Reducing the number of animals born is the only ethical solution to overpopulation that will have a long-term effect. Killing is not an ethical means of reducing the number of animals. Increasing the number of animals sterilized will reduce the number of animals born and will, therefore, reduce the number of animals entering a shelter. This, in turn will reduce animal control costs. Reducing the number of animals born will benefit public health and safety. For example, a reduction in surplus animals will mean a reduction in cats and dogs running loose, animals causing traffic hazards, quarantines, animal bites, animal fights, barking complaints, dog droppings, etc.
Call the Borderland Humane Society at 218-324-2313 for assistance or visit the Web site at borderlandhumanesoceity.org.
