ASPCA Applauds NYS Legislature, Gov. Paterson's Decision to Maintain New York's Low-Income Spay/Neuter Program

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) applauds the New York State Legislature and Governor David Paterson for reinstating New York's low-income spay/neuter program – encompassing both an upstate Animal Population Control Program (APCP) and a separate New York City program – which funds spay/neuter surgeries for cats and dogs belonging to low-income New York residents. The passage of this budget bill (S.6609-B/A.9709-C) will annually funnel hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money to the program, reducing the number of unwanted animals in New York and thus preventing the needless euthanasia of pets in New York's animal shelters.

"The ASPCA worked closely with legislators – Assembly Members Amy Paulin, Linda Rosenthal and Senator Eric Schneiderman, in particular – to help ensure passage of this critical humane legislation," said Debora Bresch, an attorney and Sr. Director of Government Relations for the ASPCA. "Each year approximately five to seven million animals enter shelters across the U.S., and approximately three to four million are euthanized due to lack of space or ability to adequately care for them."

Despite having funded approximately 90,000 spay/neuter surgeries since the program's commencement in 1996, the state's low-income spay/neuter program was unfortunately suspended in 2009. The passage of this budget bill will allow the program to be reinstated and again provide for the sterilization of thousands of companion animals belonging to low-income New York residents.

"The continued absence of the Animal Population Control Program would force localities to struggle with thousands of unwanted animal births, costly impoundments, and unsterilized and abandoned animals," added Ms. Bresch.  "With the reinstatement of this program, low-income New York residents will have access to important services that will contribute to the reduction of pet overpopulation."