The ASPCA is Looking for a Few Good Dogs

WHO: On Thursday, July 15th, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is launching “Operation Pit”, a new program offering free spay/neuter surgeries to all healthy pit bulls and pit bull mixes between the ages of three months and six years, along with free vaccinations and micro-chipping. Five surgeries will be performed every Thursday. 

“Pit bulls and pit bull mixes make up a vast percentage of homeless dogs found in city shelters,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine and Interim Director of the ASPCA Animal Hospital, where “Operation Pit” is being headquartered. “One of the most effective ways to manage pet overpopulation is to provide free spay / neuter. Through our existing spay / neuter program, we spayed / neutered more than 31,000 cats and dogs in 2009.”

WHAT: In addition to a free spay / neuter surgery, all pit bulls and pit bull mixes will be offered free vaccinations and free micro-chipping. They also will receive the following military-themed gifts:

• Camouflage “doggie gear” -- bandanas and tank tops
• Post-operative “Honorable Discharge” instructions

WHEN: Beginning July 15, “Operation Pit” will take place every Thursday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. All appointments must be scheduled prior to surgery date. All procedures are completed the same day. Owners will leave their animals in the morning and pick them up in the evening.

WHERE: The ASPCA Animal Hospital, 424 East 92nd St., New York, NY 10128 (between First and York Aves.)

WHY: More than 50,000 homeless pets enter city shelters each year. Reducing this number depends on increasing adoptions and decreasing overpopulation. The ASPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics spayed and neutered more than 31,000 cats and dogs in 2009. However, the vast majority of dogs that are still euthanized due to lack of homes are pit bulls and pit bull mixes. With programs such as “Operation Pit” the ASPCA hopes to reduce this number.

DETAILS: For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call the ASPCA Animal Hospital 24/7 at 877-900-PITS (7487), or visit: www.aspca.org/aspca-nyc/.