Grenada, Miss. (Dec. 15, 2023) — In Defense of Animals’ Hope Animal Sanctuary has launched a low-cost spay and neuter program for residents in Montgomery and Carroll Counties to help address the overpopulation crisis affecting rescuers in the area.

Hope Animal Sanctuary rescues more than 500 abused and unwanted cats and dogs annually and works with rescue partners in the northeast to place them in forever homes. Unfortunately, the number of calls and need for assistance are overwhelming already overburdened rescuers in the area, leaving countless animals vulnerable, while the number of animals partners can take has also declined. 

In response to this crisis affecting companion animals and those who need assistance, the organization has launched a low-cost spay/neuter program. 

“We want to save as many animals as we can and place them in forever homes, but can’t keep up with the endless supply. Affordable access to spay and neuter programs is vital to addressing the growing number of animals in need,” said Sharon Stone, Hope Animal Sanctuary Operations Manager. “We don’t want to turn people away, or see animals lost due to neglect and homelessness, while more are killed in shelters simply due to a lack of space, but we are running at full capacity. If you’re living in Montgomery or Carroll County on a low or fixed income, apply now to get your animals fixed!” 

Working with Dr. Daniel Hill at the Winona Veterinary Clinic, two dogs and two cats have already been spayed and neutered. The aim is to help countless more and expand into Holmes County. 

Spaying a medium to large dog costs $150, while a neuter is $125. For cats, spaying is $115 and a neuter is $100. Costs to recipients approved for the program will be $25. 

“We’re excited to be launching this program to help underserved communities in Mississippi where we operate that need help with their animals,” said Fleur Dawes, Director of Communications and International Partnerships at In Defense of Animals. “Dogs and cats are forced to give birth in tires, under abandoned buildings, and risk starving or freezing to death, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Animal homelessness is a problem we can fix! Don’t hesitate, do the right thing for your animals and apply for our SNAP program today.” 

Interested parties should fill out this SNAP form and return it to Hope Animal Sanctuary for assistance. 

Contact:

Sharon Stone, Sharon@idausa.org, 662-466-0906

Images & Video: https://bit.ly/HASsnap free for use with credit to In Defense of Animals

Hope Animal Sanctuary was established in Carroll County by In Defense of Animals in 1993. It rescues and rehabilitates around 500 of the Deep South’s most abused animals each year. www.idausa.org/sanctuaries/hope-animal-sanctuary

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization based in Marin, California, with over 250,000 supporters and a 40-year history of defending animals, their advocates, and the environment, through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California, and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org

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