ASPCA Supports Creation of North Carolina Spay/Neuter Donation Fund, Advisory Board

NEW YORK--The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) applauds the members of the North Carolina House of Representatives in passing House Bill (HB) 816, which would establish a Spay/Neuter Advisory Board and the Spay/Neuter Donation and Memorial Fund in the state. The legislation, introduced by Representative Pat McElraft (R-Carteret), now moves to the Senate.

North Carolina currently has a spay/neuter program within the state Department of Agriculture to address the many problems associated with pet overpopulation. The added provisions in HB 816 will substantially enhance this program by permitting the state to collect voluntary contributions and memorial donations to help fund local pet sterilization programs. The Spay/Neuter Advisory Board will ensure the fund's success by promoting the establishment of humane spay/neuter programs and overseeing how the funds are distributed to localities struggling with unsterilized animals, costly impoundments, and abandoned animals.

"Each year approximately five to seven million animals enter shelters across the U.S., and approximately three to four million are euthanized due to lack of space or ability to adequately care for them," said Ann Church, southeast senior director of ASPCA Government Relations and Morehead City, N.C., resident. "The Spay/Neuter Advisory Board and Spay/Neuter Donation and Memorial Fund are innovative programs that will not only help North Carolina's animals by preventing future suffering and reducing pet overpopulation, but will also help cut costs to local communities who must deal with tough animal issues on a daily basis."

"This program will help the many animal shelters in my district and across the state that work daily to reduce animal suffering," said Representative Pat McElraft (R-Carteret). "Passage of this bill at no cost to taxpayers is a win-win for North Carolina."

For information on the ASPCA and to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please visit ASPCA.org.