Special deal offered to neuter, spay pit bulls

Franklin County Humane Society’s Planned Pethood Clinic is urging pit bull owners to help prevent unwanted litters by participating in its August Primp your Pit campaign.

Funded by PetSmart Charities, the campaign is giving more than $394,000 to provide $20 spay/neuter surgeries (and free nail trim) for more than 6,200 pit bull terriers nationwide.

Franklin County Humane Society’s Planned Pethood Clinic plans to spay/neuter 100 pit bull terriers and pit bull mixes for the special rate. It applies to all pit bulls and pit bull mixes in the area. There are no geographic restrictions.

“Spaying/neutering a pet is the most effective thing a pet parent can do to prevent unwanted litters from being born that will ultimately end up in local shelters,” said Anita Scott, adoption center director.

For pet owners who may be hesitant to get their puppies sterilized, it’s important to note that the American Veterinary Medical Association endorses spaying and neutering puppies as young as 8 to 10 weeks old. Research shows that the procedure may improve the behavior and health of the pet, including reducing the risk of certain reproductive cancers and infections.

Pit bull owners who wish to take advantage of this special offer must mention the Primp Your Pit promotion when they schedule their appointment, which is based on availability.

About 35 percent of dogs and cats in U.S. households are not spayed or neutered, yet the procedure is one of the most effective ways to reduce the homeless-pet population. Pit bulls often end up in shelters in large numbers because of myths and negative publicity, which impact public perceptions of the breed.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.plannedpethoodrockymount.com or call 489-3491.

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