Dec 8, 2003 By Angie Santello 2 min read

Coming off a successful spay and neuter event, a local animal-welfare organization is emphasizing the importance of the surgical procedure on dogs and cats. Fayette Friends of Animals organized the spaying and neutering of 49 cats and 14 dogs during an October spay day held by the shelter.

The total of 63 spays and neuters is the second highest for the three spay days the group organized, according to shelter board member Rene Freitag.

All operations were performed primarily on pets of Fayette County residents, namely pets of people who were on the shelter’s waiting list for low-cost spay and neuter assistance.

The group held only one spay day last year, but thanks to a $2,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Fayette County, the shelter was able to hold this second event.

Dr. Geary’s veterinary office on Connellsville Street performed most of the surgeries, while the rest of the animals was transported to a veterinary office in Harmony, Pittsburgh. Dr. Tanya Fronczek, daughter of Fayette Friends of Animals’ vice president Flo Fronczek, assisted in the procedure at the Pittsburgh office.

Although it was the second-highest spay day record for the shelter, the pets that were spayed or neutered make up only a small portion of the cats and dogs in Fayette County that are still not spayed or neutered.

“It’s amazing how many animals still require to be spayed or neutered,” said Freitag. “I hope this has an impact, but I think we still have quite a way down the road.

“People need to get their pets spayed and neutered,” she added. “It’s in some people’s mindsets that spaying and neutering their pets is bad for them. They may have had an experience where their dog has become fat or has undergone a temperament change. What some don’t see is how their animals benefit from the operation.”

Freitag said animals that are spayed or neutered are less susceptible to diseases such as cancer and will roam less than before the procedure.

On the positive, Freitag added that shelters, in general, have become more proactive with spaying and neutering animals, while shelter employees continue to focus on educating the public on the procedure.

“I just think spaying and neutering is one part of responsible pet ownership,” said Freitag. “If you love your pet, you’ll do this. Hopefully, you will then have more quality time with your pet.”