But that has changed since Parsons teamed up with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Nevins Farm in Methuen two years ago to establish a program where animal control officers go to willing Lawrence residents' homes, pick up their dogs, and take them to be spayed or neutered at the MSPCA for half the regular cost of the surgery.
The owners don't have to leave home because Animal Control will return the dog when the surgery is done.
Before the program began, Animal Control had 12 dogs at the pound each week, on average, Parsons said.
"Today, I have only three," he said recently.
The practice of approaching dog owners face to face, combined with Animal Control's response to dog complaints, has led to the spaying and neutering of an average of 12 dogs per month, Parsons said.
Those involved are looking to take a bigger bite out of dog overpopulation by expanding the service. The MSPCA is telling people they can call to arrange for Animal Control to pick up their dogs and take them for surgery.
The overall goal is for MSPCA veterinarians to spay and neuter as many dogs as possible to reduce the number of pups, thus alleviating the burden on local shelters caring for homeless animals, according to Mike Keiley, manager of the Noble Family Animal Care & Adoption Center at the MSPCA.
"We're one of the only businesses in the world that's looking to go out of business," Keiley said.
The usual fee for the surgery is $150, but Lawrence residents only have to pay $75, or cost.
"To get a dog spayed and neutered is anywhere from $300 to $400 at a vet," said Parsons.
Compared with other local communities, Lawrence has the largest number of strays and unclaimed animals in shelters, Keiley said.
The MSPCA is funded through donations, and it recently received a $4,500 grant from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition to help pay for the spay/neuter program.
The spay/neuter package includes the surgery, rabies vaccination, a distemper vaccination and a microchip.
The other aspect of the program is teaching people about why spaying and neutering is important, Keiley said.
Keiley said the surgery helps curb behavior problems, such as spraying, marking, aggression and the desire to roam. Fixing a pet before it reaches adolescence is recommended, and it can help prevent certain illnesses, including mastitis and reproductive cancers, Keiley said.
The MSPCA is soliciting private donations to help continue the service.
"It's going to be indefinite as far as I'm concerned," Keiley said of the program. "I think we'll reapply for the grant again next year. We'll shoot for double the amount."
Surgeries can be arranged by calling 978-687-7453, ext. 6101.
Cat owners can receive help by calling the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, which offers a subsidized spay/neuter program for cats with their mobile clinic, the Catmobile. The Catmobile package includes the spay/neuter surgery, rabies vaccination, distemper vaccination, flea treatment, de-worming and a physical exam for $75 for male cats and $100 for female cats. To book an appointment, call 888-495-7729, or e-mail spaymass@mrfrs.org.
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