ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 14, 1993                   TAG: 9307140457
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SPARING GRIEF FOR HOMELESS PETS

CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Charlotte Dietz and the Roanoke Valley Veterinary Medical Association for starting the Cooperative Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (Co-SNAP). With this program and the low-cost spay-neuter program of the Pet Assistance League, I believe the number of homeless animals at local shelters will decrease.

Some veterinarians don't think these programs will make a difference. The July 5 news article by Larry Brown ("Pet neutering assistance offered") about Co-SNAP stated, "Two cats free to breed can produce 20,000 offspring in four years." Spaying or neutering animals one at a time will have its effect on thousands of strays.

It's true, we'll "never spay or neuter the problem away," but it's a beginning. Because these programs are not the all-encompassing solution to pet overpopulation, do you not use them at all? If only one animal doesn't have to die because there is no home for it, these programs will be a success.

Thank you, Dr. Dietz, for caring to make a difference. BARBARA A. NEWMAN ROANOKE 


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