ASPCA Awards $75,000 Grant to Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs

NEW YORK — The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced a grant of $75,000 to the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D) in Portland, Ore.  The grant funding will be used to provide general operating support to expedite the introduction of methods to non-surgically sterilize cats and dog as well as support the distribution and promotion of these products to humanely control pet populations worldwide.

"ACC&D's initiative to implement humane methods of non-surgical sterilization would help control pet overpopulation nationwide," said ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. "The ASPCA wishes them continued success and hopes their efforts will decrease the needless euthanasia of three to four million homeless animals every year."

The grant funding will also support the planning and production of ACC&D's 4th International Symposium on Non-Surgical Contraceptive Methods of Pet Population Control, to be held April 8-10, 2010, in Dallas, Texas.  This will include outreach to veterinarians, public health and government officials, animal welfare advocates and organizations, animal health professionals and other stakeholders.

"ACC&D is tremendously grateful for the ASPCA's leading support as a funder, Organizational Partner, and strategic advisor," said Joyce Briggs, president of ACC&D. "We are delighted to count Ed Sayres and ASPCA scientific advisor Dr. Stephen Zawistowski as speakers at our upcoming symposium."

ACC&D is an alliance of organizations and individuals passionate about the need for and real potential of non-surgical pet contraceptives.  ACC&D is supported by 105 organizations representing animal welfare, animal health, veterinary medicine and companion animal services.  For more information on ACC&D, please visit www.acc-d.org.