San Bernardino County, CA, August 13, 2013 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture has awarded San Bernardino County a $15,000 grant to help pet owners to spay and neuter Pit Bull breeds.
Over 14,000 animals were admitted to the County’s animal shelter system last year, and the majority of them were Pit Bulls. This award marks the third year in a row that the County has received grant funds from the Department of Food and Agriculture.
County Animal Care & Control currently provides $50 vouchers to pet owners in unincorporated areas to spay or neuter their dogs. With this grant award, eligible Pit Bull owners will receive an additional $30 voucher, bringing the total savings to $80 per Pit Bull. Agency chief Brian Cronin stated “this is a wonderful opportunity for the owners of Pit Bull type dogs to have their pets sterilized at a significantly reduced rate and to allow the owners of Pit Bull type dogs the opportunity to comply with the County’s mandatory Pit Bull sterilization ordinance.”
Supervisor Josie Gonzales added, “As pet owners, we have to take responsibility for our animals – that includes spaying or neutering our pets.” Every year, thousands of animals come through the County’s shelter system. If we can reduce that number, we will not only generate savings for taxpayers, we will reduce the number of animals euthanized and help increase pet adoptions.”
For more information regarding the County’s spay/neuter voucher program, call the Pet Overpopulation Coalition at (888) 767-2550 which provides spay/neuter program assistance and support in both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties or visit Animal Care and Control’s website.
