ASPCA Awards $3,000 Grant to the Ocean State Animal Coalition

NEW YORK — The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced a grant of $3,000 to the Ocean State Animal Coalition (OSAC). The grant funding will be used to spread awareness of a low-cost community spay/neuter clinic designed to reduce pet overpopulation in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts.

"The ASPCA believes targeted spay/neuter is the most humane and effective way of reducing pet overpopulation and the number of homeless animals entering local shelters," said Julie Morris, Senior Vice President of Community Outreach for the ASPCA. "OSAC's initiative will create a more humane community and serve as an inspiration to other regions across the country."

The group is in the process of opening the Rhode Island Community Spay/Neuter Clinic in Warwick, R. I., a low-cost spay/neuter clinic modeled after the Humane Alliance in Asheville, N.C. In addition to providing vital spay/neuter surgeries and offering standard vaccines, the organization will also provide transportation for animals from regional shelters, rescue groups, and targeted low income pet owner.

"OSAC is dedicated to ensuring that every pet parent who wants to spay or neuter their pet has access to our services regardless of their financial circumstances," said Executive Director at Ocean State Animal Coalition Liz Skrobisch. "As our clinic will be both affordable and accessible, we are removing the impediments most frequently cited for not neutering a pet."

OSAC is a consortium of several Rhode Island animal welfare groups, veterinarians and animal control officers, including the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association (RIVMA), RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation, Rhode Island Animal Control Officers Association,  Potter League for Animals, PawsWatch, Providence Animal Rescue League, Providence Animal Control, and Stand Up for Animals.