The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is marking World Spay today by providing 227 free spay and neuter surgeries across the province, preventing more than an estimated 12,000 unplanned puppies and kittens who may have ended up in shelters.
At its five high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics in Barrie, Stouffville, Durham, Thunder Bay and Sudbury, the Ontario SPCA was able to triple its daily spay/neuter capacity today by dedicating additional resources and extending clinic hours to mark World Spay Day. Ontario SPCA Neuter Scooters were also running in Durham, Napanee, and Orangeville, transporting animals to participating spay/neuter clinics and returning them to their families at the end of the day.
In addition to free spay/neuter services, which were supported by Royal Canin and other generous donors, the Ontario SPCA was also able to provide free microchips, courtesy of 24Petwatch, as well as free rabies vaccinations and canine distemper vaccinations, provided by Boehringer Ingelheim.
“The impact of World Spay Day extends well beyond a single day,” says Charmaine Brett, President and CEO of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Our efforts helped more animals gain access to essential spay and neuter services, removing barriers for families in the community.”
World Spay Day is a global movement, with animal welfare organizations around the world joining the Ontario SPCA’s efforts to reduce pet overpopulation. Organizations in Ukraine, Nepal, India, Romania, Bahamas, Sri Lanka, Mexico and here in Canada took part, collectively performing 1,200 spay/neuter surgeries.
“Thanks to our generous sponsors, all procedures provided through the Ontario SPCA were offered at no cost to the community, enabling us to reach families and animals who might not have been able to access this care otherwise,” says Brett.
As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to make initiatives like World Spay Day possible. To support spay and neuter programs or help provide care for animals in need, visit ontariospca.ca/donate
