Just shy of its first anniversary, The Kentucky
Humane Society's Operation Spay and Neuter Incentive Program is
celebrating its first major milestone -- completion of its 6,000th
surgery.
Operation SNIP, at 2445 Crittenden Drive in the St. Joseph area,
provides low-cost surgeries and vaccinations for pets of needy
people and coordinates pet transportation to and from the clinic for
such owners in nearby counties.
The Jefferson counties involved are Scott, Trimble, Henry, Spencer,
Grayson, Bullitt and Carroll counties. In Indiana, the clinic serves
Dearborn and Floyd counties.
The clinic also is developing a pickup and delivery service for
eligible pet owners in seven ZIP codes in the county -- 40202,
40203, 40208, 40210, 40211, 40212 and 40215 -- where 2000 Census
statistics showed a significant number of people and families living
at or below poverty level.
It also coordinates transportation of pets with various
animal-rescue groups within a 90-mile radius.
Spaying or neutering costs $35 to $55; some financial assistance is
available. Applicants' need is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The Crittenden Drive effort is an outgrowth of a weekly clinic that
the society offered at its Eastpoint location, at 13310 Magisterial
Drive. That effort completed 1,100 surgeries. The Crittenden Drive
site is considered more central.
Humane Society officials hope their efforts will decrease the number
of animal euthanizations in Jefferson County. They also believe the
procedures will lead to longer and healthier lives for the animals,
with fewer risks for contracting certain diseases and cancer.
The society also altered more than 5,400 adoptable pets last year.
"We want to put an end to euthanizing adoptable pets in our area, so
they each can find a permanent home," said Lori Kane Redmon, the
society's president. "A high-volume spay/neuter program is the only
way to accomplish that and prevent animals from suffering in the
future."
Officials said word of mouth and billboard and radio advertisements
helped the operation attract clients.
Reporter Sheryl Edelen can be reached at (502) 582-4621.