Spay Day USA: Controlling The Problem Of Companion Animal Overpopulation

The Spay & Neuter Association of Newtown (SNAN) and The Animal Center were honored this week with a proclamation from Newtown’s first selectman.

Herb Rosenthal met with representatives from both groups on February 21 and presented a proclamation acknowledging Tuesday, February 28, as Spay Day USA in Newtown.

Led by The Doris Day Animal Foundation, Spay Day USA is a national event designed to raise awareness of the severe companion animal overpopulation problem, particularly of cats and dogs, in the United States. The day is also meant to promote spay and neuter surgery as a primary means of addressing that problem.

“I encourage all Newtown residents to have their cats or dogs spayed or neutered,” urged the first selectman. “I am delighted to help Spay & Neuter Association of Newtown and The Animal Center, and I hope this proclamation spurs animal caretakers to action.”

More than half the households in America include an animal companion. Behind that immense love of animals, however, lies an equally immense tragedy: each year, community animals shelters take in 8 to 12 million lost and unwanted dogs and cats. Of that figure, nearly five million of those animals are killed because they are not adopted or claimed by their owners.

“Spay/neuter plays a vital role in reducing cat and dog overpopulation,” said Monica Roberto, a co-founder of The Animal Center.

“The math is simple,” added Penny Meek, a co-president of SNAN. “More animals spayed or neutered means fewer animals out on the streets, entering our already overburdened shelter system, and being killed.”

Anyone can participate in Spay Day USA simply by having (or scheduling to have) their companion animal spayed or neutered. Owners who have already had their animals spayed and neutered can participate in Spay Day USA by making a donation to SNAN or The Animal Center, both of which are seeking financial contributions to help pay for the procedures for the companion animals of elderly and low-income persons as well as stray and feral cats.

The Animal Center is a Newtown-based nonprofit charity focused on animal welfare (see related story in this week’s Bee). Additional information is available at TheAnimalCenter.org or 313-4814.

SNAN is a volunteer organization dedicated to reducing the number of unwanted animals in Newtown and surrounding communities. For more information or to receive assistance, contact Spay & Neuter Association of Newtown at 426-5730.