Number of euthanized animals decreases

Thanks to a spay and neuter programs such as the one implemented by Kootenai Pets for Life in 2002, the number of intakes into area shelters and subsequent euthanized animals have dropped significantly.

The Spay/Neuter clinics started by KPFL in 2002 saw the numbers of euthanized dogs and cats drop from 3524 (1992-1995) to 832 (2002-2005).

Money from Lincoln County as well as the Lincoln County Animal Shelter's policy of spaying and neutering all dogs and cats who pass through their doors are also helping to reduce the numbers.

“I'm sure that it has helped. The benefits of doing the spay and neuters aren't going to show up immediately, but as time goes by, the amount of animals going into shelters will go down,” said shelter officer Jean Miller, who released the latest Lincoln County Animal Shelter data over the phone.

In 2006-2007, the total number of dogs impounded was 286, down from 747 in 1994-1995.

Dog euthanizations also saw drops, from 562 to 98.

Likewise, the total number of cats impounded in 2006-2007 was 248, including 205 drop offs, with 152 being euthanized.

Those numbers went down from 696 cats impounded in 1994-1995 and 561 euthanized.

“It's made a big difference already,” said Miller. “and I think it would make an amazing difference to continue doing this program.

“Every time one kitten or dog gets away without being spayed and neutered, you have another family of them.”

Last year alone, KPFL facilitated 450 spay and neuters, and last January alone they averaged one surgery per day, or 31.

Kathi Hooper, director of Environmental Health for Lincoln County, agrees that the money the county gives towards spaying and neutering is money worth it.

“Some of the best money our program spends is for the spay neuter program,” said Kathi Hooper, Director of Environmental Health for Lincoln County, “and we use every penny,” finished Judy Hyslop, Shelter Director for KPFL.

Last year, the County contributed $3,800 to KPFL's spay and neuter program, paying half of each animal's surgery, while $3,400 went to North Lincoln County's spay and neuter programs.

Lincoln County also maintains its own shelter, consisting of 20 dog kennels and a large cat room.

“None of the animals leave the shelter walls without getting spayed or neutered,” said Miller. “The actual adoption fee is the only cost for adopters, and it's to get the animals spayed or neutered.”

Likewise, KPFL also neuters and spays its animals they receive, many of those the county shelter doesn't have room for, who leave after the initial 72 hour intake period.

KPFL has already used the money the county allocated to them for this year for spaying/neutering due to a high demand for the certificates.

Raising public awareness of the benefits of spaying and neutering has created more of a public demand for the certificates.

“People are much more aware of it,” said Eileen Carney, president of KPFL, noting that currently there is a waiting list of 11 people who have recently called to inquire about spaying - 9 of those animals are female.

Until KPFL receives their funding from the county, people are now being asked to pay for half the amount of the spay or neuter.

For example, it would cost around $12.50 to neuter a male cat, which can be neutered for about $25 normally.

A female cat can be done for under $60, female dogs $70, and male dogs $60, according to Hyslop.

There are other options for people who cannot afford that.

“The majority of people that used (KPFL's) service would not have been able to do it any other way,” said Miller. “It's a great plan for the county - to help with the cost. That's a service where over time you'll be able to see the difference.”

KPFL's shelter in Troy is seeing a decrease in their numbers as well, which has brought the number of cats in its shelter down to just 24 cats.

“When I came there in 2003, there were 70 cats,” said Hyslop. “And for a long time, they were between 30 and 40 cats.”

The success of the fostering program has contributed to the lower numbers in their shelter as well; KPFL finds homes for animals before they are brought into the facility.

“But that doesn't preclude the boxes of kittens that we find at our door - or in the dumpster,” added Hyslop, who noted that sadly, that has happened.

In foster-to-adoptions alone, in February KPFL had 14 adoptions; in January, they adopted 21.

Another program where every penny received goes toward the spay and neuter program is KPFL's recycling program, in which Kootenai Disposal donates $200 when a certain weight of recyclables is reached - as frequently as every month.

Last year, it took four months before they accrued enough to hit the $200 mark, but this year it took them 6 weeks.

“Our goal is to reach $200 worth recycables every month, and we're down to just a few more people putting in a few more cans making a big difference.

“It also helps the county because all this stuff is not going to the landfill,” added Hyslop.

Call Judy Hyslop with any questions regarding the program at 293-4936 or to find out about volunteering for the shelter - another option in exchange for spaying or neutering.

“We must all work together,” said Hyslop. “We're all here for the animals.”

Donations are also welcome and can be mailed to PO Box 1454, Libby, MT 59923.