ASPCA Partnership in Spokane Increases Spay / Neuter By 20 Percent through Second Quarter of 2010

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced that its ASPCA Partnership in Spokane, Wash. has increased targeted spay/neuter in the community by 20 percent through the second quarter of 2010, with 684 more animals spayed or neutered than during the same period last year.

"Little by little, our main goal is to end the unnecessary euthanasia of animals, and we know that adoption alone isn't going to solve it. There must be efforts to increase spay/neuter as well, and Spokane is helping us move that needle," said ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. "The continued progress of our ASPCA Partnerships – including communities like Spokane – is proof that collaboration among all animal welfare groups in a community works."

In addition to increasing targeted spay/neuter, Spokane partners decreased intake at the partner shelters by 9 percent, taking in 740 fewer animals – including 253 fewer puppies and 313 fewer kittens – than during the previous year.  Euthanasia in the community was also reduced by 19 percent or 606 animals, from 38 percent to 33 percent of intake.

Partner agencies in Spokane include: Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services (SCRAPS), a municipal animal care and protection agency; Spokane Humane Society, a non-profit limited-admission organization; SpokAnimal C.A.R.E., also a non-profit organization; and Pet-Savers, a non-profit spay/neuter clinic.

The ASPCA Partnership is a unique collaboration with communities nationwide to increase the live release rate, or saving those 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 Spokane, Wash., ASPCA partners have provided positive outcomes for homeless animals in many communities, including Austin, Texas, Buncombe County, N.C., Charleston, S.C., Cleveland, Ohio, Miami, Fla., Oklahoma City, Okla., Sacramento, Calif., Shelby County, Ala., and Tampa, Fla.