Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin has announced the latest figures on the statewide Dog and Cat Sterilization Program (DCSP).

Since January 2008, more than $198,000 has been earned through sales of Dog and Cat "Buddy" license plates, donations to the program's state income tax checkoff and direct donations.

"The success of our Dog and Cat Sterilization Program is due to the support of our fellow Georgians. With their help, we have been able to make an impact on the health of our fourlegged friends," said Commissioner Irvin.

Since its inception in November 2003, the program has distributed more than $1,886,345 statewide to subsidize 35,764 spay/neuter procedures performed by 751 licensed veterinarians. Residents in every Georgia county have benefited from this program.

Irvin added that getting the word out about the program is "key to informing our citizens of the benefits of spaying and neutering their cats and dogs."

Unlike other spay/neuter programs, the DCSP has no income requirements. Any Georgia resident may benefit from the program. Interested residents should contact their local veterinarians to confirm program participation.

Georgians may purchase a Dog and Cat License Plate for their vehicles from county tag offices throughout Georgia for a $25 one-time fee. More than $22 from each license plate sold directly benefits the DCSP. These funds are allocated only for spay/neuter procedures and educational outreach on this healthy choice. Georgians may also contribute to the DCSP in honor or memory of a loved one. Contributions are 100% tax-deductible and provide much-needed funding to help curb the epidemic of pet overpopulation in our state.

Editor's Note: One of the best things pet owners can do for their dogs and cats is to have them spayed or neutered. Spaying greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer and prevents various reproductive tract disorders. Neutering often resolves undesirable behaviors such as aggression, spraying and roaming as well as eliminates the risk of various testicular diseases. The Georgia Department of Agriculture recognizes the epidemic proportions of pet overpopulation. Through its Dog and Cat Sterilization Program, the Department is curbing pet overpopulation statewide. For information on the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program, call (404) 656-3667.