New Orleans, LA (PRWEB) May 30, 2014
Villalobos Rescue Center (VRC) and Supporters of the Intact Animal Permit Law (SIAPL), in conjunction with Ark Animal Hospital and numerous animal advocates and supporters, will host a first-ever, one-day, MASH-style spay-neuter clinic on June 12, 2014. During the event, which VRC staff have humorously named “Balls Out,” Ark Animal Hospital veterinarians Dr. Rollie Norris and Dr. Zachary Carroll will spay or neuter 20 dogs at no cost to the owners.
Intact dogs are the leading perpetrators of dog bites (95% of all bites), their wandering causes more car wrecks and other accidents, and they are a major source of strays and unwanted animals in shelters. Both VRC and SIAPL consider reducing their numbers a priority for the safety of both citizens and the animals themselves.
Based on the response to this event and the financial capacity of its sponsors, the group hopes to schedule more of these MASH events in New Orleans. Eventually, they would like to take the campaign national to broaden awareness of the pet overpopulation problem and to change the outcome for some of the millions of animals killed in shelters every year.
The event is the brain child of Lindsay Goldring, who with visiting guest Dr. Heather Carleton started Spay-Neuter Wyoming. Goldring conceived the idea from her desire to improve the lives of animals “in the ‘hood.” Goldring worked closely with Villalobos’ owner Tia Torres and Producer “Mikey D.” to formulate the plan.
All 20 of the participant dogs will be personally selected by Torres and come from the 70117 zip code. Home to the VRC, the 70117 zip code, has some of New Orleans’ most underserved and financially challenged citizens and an exceptionally high population of un-neutered and un-spayed (intact) dogs.
To reduce stress for the animals, the operating room will be closed to all but authorized participants, vets and volunteers. However, a limited number of interviews with members of the team may be available upon prior arrangement. Day-of-event photography and a follow-up story can also be provided upon request.
Contributions to the event, which will be used to offer more community spay/neuter vouchers, should be sent to Villalobos Rescue Center at PO Box 771127, New Orleans, LA 70117.
About Tia Torres and Villalobos Rescue Center
Inspired by the aftermath of Katrina, with its massive destruction and energetic recovery efforts, Tia Torres and Villalobos relocated from California to New Orleans. Here, she and Villalobos continue to have an enormous impact on the quality of life for stray animals in all of New Orleans―and especially the 70117 zip code. Leading by example, Torres’ influence is also changing the way other members of this community perceive and treat companion animals. For more information, visit http://www.vrcpitbull.net.
About Supporters of the Intact Animal Permit Law
This group of concerned citizens works to encourage adherence to and enforcement of New Orleans’ new Intact Animal Permit ordinance. It advocates to reduce pet overpopulation, curtail the destructive activities of breeders and increase public awareness of this ordinance and the negative effect of unregulated breeding in the city of New Orleans. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/stopbackyardbreeders.
About ARK Animal Hospital
Ark Animal Hospital is a full-service clinic that provides a comprehensive range of pet care services. ARK has a spacious, climate-controlled boarding facility, state-of-the-art diagnostic and lab equipment and comprehensive dental care treatments to enhance pets quality of life. For more information, visit http://www.arkanimal.net/.
About Lindsay Goldring, Inner Pup and Spay-Neuter Wyoming
Lindsay Goldring, founder of The Inner Pup, formerly directed the Animal Adoption Center in Jackson, Wyoming for four years. She has also volunteered at animal sanctuaries all over SE Asia and India. With Dr. Heather Carleton, Goldring founded Spay-Neuter Wyoming―the only mobile, low-cost veterinary service in the state. For more information visit http://www.theinnerpup.com and http://www.animaladoptioncenter.org