The news is good for pet owners - Georgia's Dog and Cat Sterilization Program (DCSP) will be re-instated on Friday, September 1, according to Tommy Irvin, Georgia commissioner of agriculture.

Between November of 2003 and April of 2005, the program provided more than $1 million in spay/neuter subsidies to pet owners, with 711 veterinarians performing spay/neuter procedures on pets in all 159 Georgia counties. During this time, 92 percent of all monies received were used to fund the subsidy program.

Then, in April of 2005, the subsidy program had to be suspended due to lack of funding.

Because the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program receives no public tax funding, it relies on donations to achieve its critical spay/neuter mission. Specialty license plate sales currently provide the primary source of funding for the DCSP.

Georgians may purchase the new "Buddy" license plate, featuring a Golden Retriever, or the original "Dog and Cat" license plate at county tag offices statewide for a one-time fee of $25. More than $22 from each license plate sold is specifically earmarked for spay/neuter procedures performed by licensed and accredited veterinarians and for educational outreach to promote the healthy choice of spaying/neutering.

"Increased sales of our new 'Buddy' license plate as well as the 2006 State Income Tax Checkoff on tax returns filed in 2007 will allow us to continue this important program and in the process, help curb pet overpopulation in our state," said Commissioner Irvin.

"Many Georgians do not spay or neuter their animals, resulting in thousands of dogs and cats being euthanized because only a few are

adopted," the commissioner continued. "This program saves the lives of dogs and cats without increasing taxes. We're encouraging all motorists to 'drive with a Buddy.'"

In addition to purchasing the specialty license plates for their vehicles, individuals may make a donation directly to the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program in honor or in memory of a loved one or a pet by writing the DCSP at P.O. Box 347043, Atlanta, Georgia, 30334-7043, or by calling the organization at 1-404-656-3667.

According to the department of agriculture, spaying/neutering reduces:

The number of stray dogs and cats.

The number of dogs and cats housed and killed in shelters.

The burden on cities and counties for animal control.

The destruction of property and livestock. Health risks.

Car accidents.

The destruction of wildlife and wildlife habitats.

The spread of diseases such as rabies.

Injuries to people and other animals.

Both the Lincolnton Animal Hospital and Lincoln County Veterinary Services will be taking part in the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program again this time.

There is one difference, however. Whereas, the state helped pay each participating veterinarian for performing five spaying and/or neutering procedures per month between 2003 and 2005, it will now help offset the cost of only three spaying and/or neutering procedures per veterinarian per month.

Some interesting facts about animal sterilization and overpopulation are as follows:

Spaying greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer and prevents various reproductive tract disorders.

Neutering often eliminates undesirable behaviors such as aggression, spraying, and roaming. It also removes the risk of various testicular diseases.

The bottom line is that spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.

Spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions and less likely to bite.

Spaying and neutering decreases the burden on overcrowded animal shelters.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, from 6-8 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year; 3-4 million of these animals are euthanized and 3-4 million are adopted.

The lifespan of an unowned/feral cat at most shelters is three days.

Approximately half of the cats entering shelters are unadoptable because they are too old, sick, have serious behavior problems, or are unweaned litters of unowned/feral cats.

The total unowned/feral cat population in the United States is estimated at 10-40 million. The total number of cats who are fortunate enough to have owners is 73 million.

In six years, one female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs.

In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats.

Communities spend millions of dollars on controlling unwanted animals.

Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs.

Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks.

To learn more about the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program, citizens are invited to visit the department of agriculture's website at www.agr.georgia.gov.