ASPCA Partnership in Charleston Increases Spay / Neuter by 173 Percent

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced that its ASPCA Partnership in Charleston, S.C. increased targeted spay/neuter in the community by 173 percent during the year 2009, spaying or neutering 5,117 more animals than in 2008. In addition to increasing spay/neuter in the community, Charleston partner agencies also increased pet adoptions by 10 percent in 2009 (3,911 total adoptions, compared to 3,555 during 2008).

"We know there are no 'quick fixes' to ending the unnecessary euthanasia of animals, and that adoption alone isn't going to solve the problem of homeless cats and dogs in communities across the country," said ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres.  "But we do know, and we have proof – especially in communities like Charleston – that collaboration among all groups in a community can work, and does work."

Partner agencies in Charleston include Charleston Animal Society and Pet Helpers, two animal shelters that include high-volume spay/neuter clinics, and Humane Net, a non-profit group focused on advocating for animals and educating the community, and supporting other organizations with similar objectives. All three organizations continue to make great progress in the second year of the partnership.

The ASPCA Partnership is a unique collaboration with communities to increase the live release rate, saving the animals most at risk through sustainable data-driven plans and programs. These engage the community to reunite lost animals with their families, increase adoptions, target spay/neuter and support feral cats. In addition to Charleston, S.C., our partners have made a difference in many U.S. communities, including Buncombe County, N.C., Austin, Texas, Oklahoma City, Okla., Sacramento, Calif., Shelby County, Ala., Spokane, Wash., and Tampa, Fla.

For more information about ASPCA Partnerships, please visit www.aspca.org.