Spay/neuter voucher program six years strong

Amos Johnson
By Amos Johnson April 7, 2017 12:18
Executive Director for the Humane Society, Melanie Coulter comforts one of the cats at the Humane Society in Windsor. (Photo By Amos Johnson)

Executive Director for the Humane Society, Melanie Coulter comforts one of the cats at the Humane Society in Windsor. (Photo By Amos Johnson)

By Amos Johnson

The spay and neuter voucher program is still in effect in Windsor after a successful five-year history of helping pet owners take the edge off the costs.

This program is designed to help people with a low income to have their pets spayed and neutered. Doing so can help prevent their pets from having unwanted pregnancies and decrease the rate of homeless animals.

Melanie Coulter is the executive director of the Windsor Humane Society and said their clinic has fixed around 24, 000 animals since its opening.

“Once someone gets a voucher, they would bring it into a participating clinic with their animal. At our clinic, the voucher would cover the entire cost of surgeries,” said Coulter.

The corporate policy coordinator for the City of Windsor is impressed with what the program has accomplished over the five years.

“There has been over 4,000 vouchers issued and the rate of usage over that period is about 80 per cent,” said Ken Downing.

City council’s budget for the program this year was $30,000 with each voucher being valued at $75.

Susan Monteleone is a holistic animal practitioner who has been breeding Sphynx cats for over 20 years and supports the city’s program.

“I sell (Sphynx) kittens, all are spayed or neutered before going to new homes. [The program] is an excellent idea, spay and neuter is most effective,” said Monteleone.

According to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, clinics practicing the spay and neuter procedure has reduced the rate of shelter admissions and euthanasia by up to 70 per cent.

Amos Johnson
By Amos Johnson April 7, 2017 12:18

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