As part of Spay Day USA, a national program of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Moore Humane Society (MHS) will host a local Spay Day on Feb. 27 to promote spay/neuter as a loving act benefiting animal guardians, their pets, and their communities.

MHS has negotiated with several veterinarians in the area to provide reduced-rate spay and neuter procedures on Feb. 27. The veterinarians will set aside the time for the surgeries and MHS will organize the program and fund the reduced cost.

The benefits of spay/neuter are far-ranging and numerous. Altered pets tend to be healthier and have fewer behavioral problems. They don't contribute to the pet overpopulation problem so fewer animals end up homeless, in shelters, or on the streets.

According to HSUS, an estimated three to four million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters each year, at an average cost to taxpayers of $176 per animal. Spay/neuter is a proven solution to this crisis.

Contrary to popular belief, male dogs benefit from neutering as well. They will not wander as much, can lose their aggressive tendencies, and their desire to mark their territory by urinating both inside and outside the house should decrease or cease altogether.

But don't worry about your pet becoming less protective after being neutered. Many people confuse aggressiveness with protectiveness. Aggression problems can be avoided by neutering, but neutered pets retain their natural instinct to protect home and family.

Moore Humane Society encourages the public to be part of the solution and spay or neuter their pets. Anyone who needs help with the cost may contact MHS at 910-947-2631 to fill out an application. Space is limited.

Elizabeth Siebenhar

Moore Humane Society, Program Director