Volunteers help owners neuter, spay their pets
Three years ago, Theodosia Regal wrote a letter to the editor at the Butler Eagle asking people to come together to reduce overpopulation of dogs and cats.
A group of like-minded individuals responded.
The result is Operation: Spay Neuter, a new organization that aims to subsidize costs of the veterinary procedures.
"This is my passion,"Regal said. "There needs to be a solution."
Leslie Bachman, secretary of OSN, said people who now belong to the group were all doing things independently to deal with the problem. Regal's letter helped unite the concerned citizens and got the ball rolling.
Regal said Butler is blessed to have no-kill rescue groups and shelters in the county, but most of them are full, especially in the spring during puppy and kitty season. She said many times, the overpopulated shelters and rescue groups have to send animals to areas outside the county and they end up being killed.
"All of the groups here try to adopt out,"Regal said. "But for every animal who gets adopted out, another one doesn't."
All of the board members have worked with other rescue groups and have seen animals turned away because of a full house, Regal said. Because of this, overpopulation is the number one problem with stray animals.
"There are more dogs and cats than there are loving homes,"Regal said. "Our goal is to have no more unwanted pets."
She said much of this can be prevented, and that's where OSN steps in. She said many people don't want their pets to breed, but they postpone or opt out of vet visits due to the cost.
OSN will subsidize costs for procedures if a financial need is perceived. Although income is a factor, Regal said those caring for multiple animals will also be eligible to apply.
Clients must pay for the exam, vaccine and testing. The amount paid by the organization will vary according to need, she said. Nine local veterinarians have agreed to participate and offer their services at a discounted price.
"Someone has to pay,"Regal said. "Even with the discounted price, they're doing it for charity."
Lori Love, veterinarian at Moraine Grove Veterinary Clinic and OSN board member, will be performing the first spay this month. Love said there are multiple reasons to have your pet spayed or neutered, including health benefits.
She said by having a dog or cat altered, the risk of certain cancers, reproductive problems and behavioral issues are often reduced. It also cuts down on unwanted litters, reducing the number of stray and unwanted pets.
"There is a need for a program like this in every community, not just in Butler,"Love said. "Particularly with the cat population, because they reproduce at terrific rates."
Regal said often, these puppies and kittens are born in unsanitary conditions or in the wild where there is a high chance for disease and illness. The animals are sick, malnourished and often die before reaching adulthood, she said.
OSN will rely on donations and fundraising to survive, Regal said. The group also needs volunteers to foster animals and assist with fundraisers.
The group hosted a SPAYghetti dinner fundraiser last month, raising additional funds with a Chinese auction, bake sale and craft table. Area business have also been generous with donations, Regal said.
For more information on Operation: Spay Neuter, contact Regal at 724-234-4669. Donation checks can be sent to Operation: Spay Neuter, 140 Remil Drive, Butler, PA16001-2625.
