WASHINGTON, D.C.–(HISPANIC PR WIRE – BUSINESS WIRE)–February 10, 2003–The Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF), the non-profit organizer of the national campaign to reduce companion animal overpopulation, is encouraging America to “Stamp Out Cat and Dog Overpopulation” during the ninth annual SPAY DAY USA, taking place on Tuesday, February 25, 2003.
“This year is special for us because we will reach the milestone 1,000,000th spay/neuter of the Spay Day campaign,” says Doris Day, founder of DDAF. Since its inception in 1995, Spay Day USA has been responsible for altering approximately 835,000 cats and dogs.
It is estimated that eight of every ten cats and six out of every ten dogs who enter a shelter are killed. Approximately five million cats and dogs are euthanized annually, at a cost to U.S. taxpayers of over $1 billion each year. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of stray and feral cats struggle to survive on their own outdoors. Since the aggressive implementation of local spay and neuter programs in 1973 across America, millions of animals have potentially been saved from euthanasia. Spay Day acts to boost the efforts of these local groups, reminding people of the importance of ending pet overpopulation.
The United States Postal Service is among the many groups joining DDAF this year to promote the campaign theme, “Neuter or Spay – It’s a First Class Act.” A special pair of First Class “Neuter or Spay” postage stamps, featuring Kirby the puppy and Samantha the kitten, two homeless shelter pets who were neutered and spayed and then adopted into loving homes, were issued on September 20, 2002.
Actors Sally Struthers and Julie Benz recorded television public service announcements to publicize this year’s Spay Day. “Animals who are spayed or neutered usually enjoy better health and behavior,” Benz said. “Guardians save on vet bills and the community saves the high cost of caring for homeless animals.”
Past Spay Day events during the last eight years have included poster contests for kids, doggy and kitty washes to raise money to spay and neuter feral cats, and marathon spay/neuter sessions at local veterinarian clinics. “Spay Day USA is a wonderful example of how individuals of all ages and all communities across the nation can work together to make a difference,” says Holly Hazard, DDAF executive director.
The Doris Day Animal Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting increased protection for animals. For more information, or to receive a Spay Day Action Kit with which to implement Spay Day USA events, please call DDAF Washington, D.C. headquarters at (202) 546-1761. Posters, coloring sheets, and other materials are also available in Spanish.
–30–
CONTACT:
Linda Dozoretz Communications
Linda Dozoretz/Jennifer Wolfe
(323) 656-4499
