LAKE COUNTY? Animal Coalition of Lake County (ACLC) designated May as “Pit Fix” month.
ACLC is offering free spaying and neutering for pit bulls to senior and low income residents throughout the month.
“The overpopulation of pit bulls in our county is just the latest in the ongoing problem of animal control,” committee volunteer Elaine Somit said. “We must urge folks to take responsibility for their pets.”
According to ACLC President Rita Doyle there are several reasons why people avoid altering their animals, many of which she said are simply false.
“Many people believe it”s better to allow a female to have one litter before she is spayed,” Doyle said. “But, in reality, the best time to spay your female dog or cat is before her first heat, which can greatly reduce the incidences of mammary cancer.”
The SPCA says that mammary cancer is the most common type found in unsprayed females and the most common cancer to spread to the lungs.
“Some people think that their animal will become fat and lazy after being spayed or neutered,” Doyle said.
“There can be a tendency for a pet to put on some weight after the operation but the primary cause for an over weight animal is usually being over fed and under exercised.”
Another myth Doyle dispelled was the belief that an animal”s behavior will change dramatically after altercation. “The fact is that spayed and neutered animals live longer, happier, healthier lives,” she said. “They fight less and they wander less. Therefore, they are less likely to get lost, hit by a car or injured in fight, which could result in the contraction of a contagious disease.”
Many believe that their dog will be less protective after altercation. Doyle said this is not true. “A dog”s natural instinct is to protect its home and family and that is not affected by spaying and neutering,” she said.
The Pit Fix will continue throughout the month of May. Dog owners seeking assistance in spaying or neutering their pets can obtain a program certificate from Doyle at From Me 2 U, 14104 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake. Local veterinarians participating in the Pit Fix include the SPCA and Dr. Debbie Sally of Clearlake Veterinary Clinic.
ACLC”s mission is to reduce the euthanasia rate in Lake County by providing spay and neuter assistance to senior and low-income residents. Doyle said that the organization is proud to announce that more than 1000 altercation surgeries have been performed in the past year with the assistance of the ACLC”s voucher program.
The ACLC will hold its spring yard sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at From Me 2 U on Lakeshore Drive. Donations of household items and furniture are being accepted. Proceeds will benefit ACLC”s spay and neuter voucher program. For more information call 995-0552.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
