Gunner, a 12-year-old Beagle mix, was part of a significant milestone this week. His surgery was the 5,000th completed at the Daviess County Spay/Neuter Clinic since the facility opened approximately 7 months ago. Animal shelter officials continue to stress the importance of spaying/neutering along with the constant need for people to adopt.
The 1,900-square-foot clinic is located at 2620 KY 81 and contains space for two surgery tables, preparation tables, two holding rooms for cats and dogs lined with kennels, and a separate room for feral cats.
Dr. Julie Gray, county veterinarian, said the facility was opened with the goal of helping control the cat and dog populations “so that we’re not having as many animals flood the shelter. We are trying to keep the euthanasia rate as low as possible.”
Gray said she wasn’t surprised to reach the 5,000-surgery milestone so quickly because of her experiences in her previous role.
“In my 3 years at Vandenburgh Humane Society, we never had a slow day, so I knew it was gonna be busy. I’m just glad that we’re able to provide this service and hopefully make a difference,” she said.
Gray said they spay/neuter all the cats and dogs admitted to the shelter animals. They also provide the services for several other counties including Butler, Ohio, and Henderson. They also perform surgeries on “public” cats through Spay a Stray, a local nonprofit supporting low-cost spay/neuter services in the area.
“Spaying and neutering is very important, not only to keep the population down for the shelters, but it also is important for the individual pets,” Gray said. “Testicular cancers, mammary cancers, dog fighting, dog roaming, cat marking — all of these things can be improved after they’ve been spayed or neutered.”
The clinic alternates between performing surgeries five days one week and four the next, taking every other Friday off.
In addition to discussing the importance of spaying/neutering animals, Gray said there’s constantly a need for the community to adopt as the shelter is almost always full.
“There is constantly a dire need of needing to get the word out to adopt and foster,” she said. “We’ve got six that are in danger right now that we’re trying to get moved as quickly as possible. We don’t ever want to make the decisions, but unfortunately we can only have so many.”
To see the animals available for adoption at the Daviess County Shelter, click here. To see the “urgent” animals in need of adoption, meaning they are at higher risk of euthansia if they don’t find their forever home soon, click here.
