(Alameda, CA – August, 2003) A two year program to spay and neuter dogs and cats belonging to low-income Alabamians resulted in 36,047 surgeries.
Maddie's Fund, in collaboration with the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA), the Alabama Humane Federation and the Alabama Animal Control Association, concluded Maddie's® Big Fix for Alabama on June 30th, 2003.
Maddie's Fund provided the ALVMA with $2 million in program funding (an average of $60 per surgery), allowing the Association's private practice veterinarians to spay or neuter pets belonging to Alabama's Medicaid recipients for $20 per dog and $10 per cat. ALVMA doctors participating in the program contributed the remainder of the surgery cost by reducing their fees to help more low-income pet owners spay/neuter their companion animals.
"We are enormously pleased and impressed by the 36,047 surgeries performed by Alabama's veterinarians," commented Maddie's Fund President, Richard Avanzino.
In addition:
• Shelters reported a 9% drop in euthanasia, or 5,449 fewer deaths over two years.
• Maddie's® Big Fix strengthened the bonds between veterinarians and the animal sheltering community.
• The program led to the formation of animal welfare collaborations in many communities, five of which have subsequently applied for a Maddie's Fund grant. Those that go on to receive Maddie's® funding will be able to continue the low-income spay/neuter program along with an adoption program that will provide a loving home for all of the community's healthy shelter dogs and cats within five years.
"A lot of people contributed to the success of Maddie's® Big Fix, but a few individuals deserve special recognition," commented Avanzino.
"ALVMA Executive Director Dr. Charles Franz provided outstanding leadership throughout the two year program. Charles exemplifies the integrity and honesty that Maddie's Fund holds dear.
Lynne Fridley, past President of the Alabama Humane Federation, was the sparkplug that ignited the project and kept it revved on all cylinders.
More than 700 veterinarians throughout the state participated in the program and a large number of the doctors promoted and advertised the Big Fix at their own expense. Many shelter Executive Directors were equally supportive, spending their resources to advertise the program. College students, volunteers and business people all pitched in to help. It was genuinely a statewide effort."
Maddie's® Big Fix Breakdown:
13,280 dog spays / 4,743 dog neuters
11,403 cat spays / 6,621 cat neuters
The ALVMA will continue to administer the low-income spay/neuter program in qualified communities.
