Photo courtesy of the Western Pa. Humane Society

City council members and Western Pa. Humane Society staff Feb. 23.

By Justin Criado

Councilwoman Darlene Harris and the city of Pittsburgh declared Feb. 23 “World Spay Day” after a proclamation was presented to city council. The proclamation aims to raise awareness about the millions of animals that enter the shelter system each year, and the importance of getting pets spayed and neutered.

Members of the Western Pa. Humane Society were on hand to accept the proclamation, including Mary Withrow, Director of Community and Governmental Relations; Tracy Royston, Director of Development and Caitlin Lasky, Communications Manager.

The Allegheny West organization spayed and neutered over 5,000 animals in 2015, and upwards of 27,000 animals throughout the past five years, according to a press release.

“Six to eight million homeless animals enter shelters every year,” Withrow said. “Spaying and neutering not only helps control the pet populations, but it makes for healthier pets in the long run.”

The Western PA Humane Society offers a low-cost clinic for spaying and neutering; a free pet food program called Ellie’s Pet Pantry; walk-in vaccine hours Tuesday-Friday, 8-10 a.m.; and low-cost vaccine clinics throughout city.

For more information visit the official website.