Discounts promote spaying and neutering.
Local officials, veterinarians, and animal advocates are calling the recent pet spay and neuter campaign a great success. During the two-week period in which special discounts were offered, a total of at least 224 dogs and cats were neutered or spayed. In the past, both Uintah County and Vernal City have funded spay and neuter discounts, but this is the first time all local entities have joined in a unified and well-publicized effort. Some residents even took advantage of the opportunity to live-trap and sterilize feral cats as well as their own pets. Dr. Nelson Duncan, whose Uinta Veterinary Services in Ballard handled over two dozen animals during the campaign, said he has seen an upswing in spaying and neutering even before the discounts were offered, thanks to increased awareness of pet overpopulation.