In an effort to further reduce the number of stray and unwanted dogs and cats in Pike County, the Humane Society of Pike County will again offer a spay and neuter clinic beginning Oct. 1.

“We are very excited because this is the first time that we have been able to offer the spay and neuter clinic twice in one year,” said Susan Jinright, society treasurer. “We are able to offer the clinic again this fall because of the generosity of those who realize that this program is a way to greatly reduce the number of abandoned and neglected dogs and cats in Pike County.

“We offered the clinic in March and 305 people took advantage of the opportunity to have their dogs and cats spay or neutered at a reduced rate.”

Through the spay and neuter program, any citizen of Pike County may take his or her dog or cat to any one of the four veterinarian clinics in the county for the procedures.

“You need to call ahead and make an appointment for the procedure,” Jinright said. “When billed, say that you are participating in the Humane Society of Pike County’s spay and neuter clinic and $40 will be deducted from the total charges.

“This clinic is also available to Troy University students who present their ID cards.”

The Humane Society of Pike County has been conducting spay and neuter programs for 10 years.

“Some of those years, the clinics were intermittent depending on available money,” Jinright said. “But since 2003, the clinics have been held on an annual basis with about 300 procedures being performed at each clinic.”

Jinright said local animal control officers have said that the spay and neuter clinics have helped to reduce the number of stray and unwanted dogs and cats throughout the county.

Jinright said about $12,000 is available for the 2008 fall clinic.

“The 2008 clinic will run through the month of October or until the money runs out,” she said. “The Humane Society of Pike County would like to thank those whose donations have made these clinics possible and to reduce the number of diseased and suffering animals.”