Press Releases

October 21, 2008
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: aspeed@wihumane.org

Welcome, Spay Wisconsin!
New statewide program provides low-cost spay/neuter

MILWAUKEE – Interested in having Whiskers spayed or neutered, but don’t have the funds to cover the cost of surgery? Spay Wisconsin can help! The Wisconsin Humane Society recently launched a new program, Spay Wisconsin, which connects low-income animal guardians across the state with a low-cost, high quality spay/neuter clinic in their area.

According to a 2006 Family Health Survey conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, there are 1,368,000 Wisconsin residents at or near the poverty line. Many of these residents have companion animals and are unable to afford the cost of spay or neuter surgery.

The goal of Spay Wisconsin is to make high quality spay/neuter services accessible, both geographically and financially, to all animals in low-income households. The program strives to end animal suffering by reducing the number of unwanted births.

The benefits of sterilization surgery to the animal, guardian and community are considerable. After spay/neuter surgery, the animal will be less likely to develop certain kinds of cancer and disease; undesirable mating behaviors are often eliminated or significantly reduced, too. Unsterilized animals are also more likely to be aggressive and roam, which can be a burden on taxpayers. The support of animal control services can cost taxpayers thousands of dollars.

So far, the program has been successful in matching animal guardians with low-cost spay services in Wisconsin.

“I am pleased to publicly endorse Spay Wisconsin,” said Deb Hanson-Carlson of Merrimac, Wisconsin, one of the first clients to access the program’s services.

“Your quick response gave Kit Kat and Mikame a chance at quality lives. You responded with two options. I chose a rescue in Madison. My experience there surpassed my expectations... Their support will allow me to visit a veterinarian and pay for the rest of the shots the cats need,” Hanson-Carlson said.

To access Spay Wisconsin services, call the hotline toll-free at (877) 510-PETS or check out the new statewide resource, Animal-Friendly Wisconsin, at www.animalfriendlywi.org. Aside from being the launch pad for Spay Wisconsin, Animal-Friendly Wisconsin provides a wealth of information and resources for all your animal-related questions.

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Photo/Interview Opportunity: The following individuals are available for media interviews.

In Milwaukee:
Dr. Marla Lichtenberger, DVM, 414-520-6691, Milwaukee Emergency Center for Animals
Jill Kline, Spay Wisconsin Coordinator, (414) 431-6142, jkline@animalfriendlywi.org
Dr. Randall Zeman, DVM, Wisconsin Humane Society’s SNAP program, 414-431-6124
Angela Speed, Community Relations Manager, WHS, (414) 431-6104, aspeed@wihumnae.org

In Madison:
Allison Davies, Executive Director, Shelter from the Storm, (608) 213-8864, wis_animalrescue@yahoo.com

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