Pet owners urged to have their animals spayed or neutered

The Humane Society of Ventura County recently released statistics regarding the number of dogs and cats who were spayed or neutered at the shelter's clinic in 2007.

Once again, there has been an increase of over 9 percent in the total number of cats and dogs brought to the shelter for treatment. The highest percentage was in the number of dogs, with more than 130 additional animals, bringing the total for dogs to 888 in 2007.

"This i s an excellent trend," said shelter director Jolene Hoffman. "When this happens, we always see a decrease in puppies being put up for adoption. Now is the time to prevent another year of discarded kittens and puppies before the mating season begins in spring. The more we can do to stop these pregnancies, the fewer animals will be left to be euthanized. By June, the shelters are filled with young puppies and kittens that people cannot keep. By bringing in a cat or dog to be treated, people will be preventing the elimination of more innocent animals."

In 2007, 983 cats and 888 dogs were treated. This was a total of 168 more animals than brought in during 2006. The shelter offers low cost/no cost spay/neuter treatments to the public at its clinic.

Community members who believe in preventing unwanted kittens and puppies are asked to support the shelter's efforts in offering free treatment by donating to the Spay/Neuter Fund at the Humane Society of Ventura County.

Donations may be sent to Humane Society of Ventura County, Spay/Neuter Fund, 402 Bryant St., Ojai, CA 93023.