City of Stockton News Release

Connie Cochran
Public Information Officer
(209) 937-8827
connie.cochran@ci.stockton.ca.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Pet Overpopulation Task Force Announces Receipt of Grant
Offering Affordable Spay and Neuter Services

(Stockton, CA) - City of Stockton Animal Services and Stockton Animal Shelter Friends announced the receipt of a grant for $100,000 from PetSmart Charities, allowing for over 2,000 dogs and cats and 1,000 pit bulls to receive spay or neuter surgery. The major cause of pet overpopulation is that many pets are not spayed or neutered and are allowed to breed. In 2005, the Pet Overpopulation Task Force was formed to address this serious problem in the community of Stockton.

Spay and neutering of pets reduces the number of unwanted animals. This grant will allow pet owners to purchase a coupon to spay or neuter, microchip, obtain a rabies vaccination and license their pets. Coupons are available to pet owners in targeted areas and available to pit bull owners throughout the city at an affordable $30 for cats and $50 for dogs. Residents outside of designated areas are eligible for other programs and services.

For additional information, please call (209) 937-5001 or visit www.stocktongov.com/animals.
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