In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the problem of animal overpopulation threatens to overwhelm animal shelters just getting back on their feet. To help curb unwanted litters and the resulting pets euthanized, five national animal welfare organizations have ear-marked more than $3.2 million to sponsor affordable and accessible spay and neuter programs in Louisiana and Mississippi.
A major part of this effort is the Big Fix Rig, a mobile spay and neuter clinic that will travel to areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. Last week, the rig opened for business in St. Bernard Parish, La., one of the towns hardest hit by the devastating storm.
The Big Fix Rig owes its existence to the funds donated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), PetSmart Charities, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the United Animal Nations. Funds provided by these groups will offer support programs provided by local shelters in Louisiana and Mississippi, including Spay/Louisiana, Mississippi Spay Neuter (SPAN) and the Humane Society of South Mississippi.
For more information about the Big Fix Rig, visit the Humane Alliance website (http://www.humanealliance.org/HA/Big%20Fix%20Rig.html).
Posted: July 18, 2006, 5:00 a.m. EST