ASPCA Launches Second Phase of "Operation Pit"

WHO:  Healthy pit bulls and pit bull mixes between the ages of three months and six years

WHAT:  Free spay/neuter surgery, and free vaccinations and micro-chipping for all pit bulls and pit bull mixes who have the surgery. They will also receive free K9 camouflage “doggie gear,” a post-operative “honorable discharge” and other awards for completing the mission.

WHEN:  In addition to every Tuesday and Thursday, “Operation Pit” will also take place on the following Sundays: March 20, April 10, May 1.

All appointments must be scheduled prior to surgery date. All procedures are completed the same day. Owners will drop off and pick up their pets at scheduled times.

WHERE:  The ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, 424 East 92nd St., New York, NY 10128 (between First and York Aves.)

WHY:  More than 50,000 homeless pets enter city shelters each year. Reducing this number depends on increasing adoptions and decreasing overpopulation. The ASPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics spayed and neutered close to 30,000 cats and dogs in 2010. However, the vast majority of dogs that are still euthanized due to lack of homes are pit bulls and pit bull mixes. With programs such as “Operation Pit” the ASPCA hopes to reduce this number.

“Pit bulls and pit bull mixes make up a vast percentage of homeless dogs found in city shelters,” says Dr. Louise Murray, vice president of the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “One of the most effective ways to manage pet overpopulation is to provide free spay / neuter operations. We have already performed close to 400 surgeries through this program.”

DETAILS:  For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital 24/7 at 877-900-PITS (7487). Details can also be found online at www.aspca.org/aspca-nyc/operation-pit