The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society says it performed 227 free spay and neuter surgeries across the province Tuesday to mark World Spay Day, a move the agency estimates will prevent more than 12,000 unplanned puppies and kittens from potentially ending up in shelters.
The animal welfare charity said it tripled its daily surgical capacity for the event by extending hours and dedicating additional resources at its five high-volume spay and neuter clinics in Barrie, Stouffville, Durham, Thunder Bay and Sudbury.
Mobile “Neuter Scooters” also operated in Durham, Napanee and Orangeville, transporting animals to participating clinics and returning them home after surgery.
The organization said the free procedures were made possible with support from sponsors, including pet food company Royal Canin. In addition to surgeries, the Ontario SPCA provided free microchips supplied by 24Petwatch, as well as complimentary rabies and canine distemper vaccinations donated by Boehringer Ingelheim.
“The impact of World Spay Day extends well beyond a single day,” said Charmaine Brett, president and chief executive officer of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, in a statement. “Our efforts helped more animals gain access to essential spay and neuter services, removing barriers for families in the community.”
World Spay Day is a global initiative aimed at reducing pet overpopulation. The Ontario SPCA said animal welfare groups in countries including Ukraine, Nepal, India, Romania, the Bahamas, Sri Lanka and Mexico participated in this year’s campaign, collectively completing about 1,200 spay and neuter surgeries.
Brett said all procedures delivered through the Ontario SPCA on Tuesday were offered at no cost to families, allowing the organization to reach people who might otherwise face financial barriers to care.
The registered charity, which says it is fully funded by donations, is encouraging the public to support its spay and neuter programs and other animal care initiatives through contributions on its website.
(Steve Berard)