[Purple]

July 13, 2007, 8:36PM


By SALATHEIA BRYANT
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

A free spay/neuter clinic for pit bull-type dogs drew about 60 dogs, which was more than expected.
While the turnout was surprising, officials with the Harris County Veterinary Public Health Service and the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program said it certainly was welcome. Officials with the agencies said it has been their experience that many owners do not alter that breed because they feel it goes against the animal's tough dog image.
"There is a lot more general awareness about the value of spay-neuter," said Susan Lamb, community program manager for SNAP Houston's mobile clinic. "A lot of these people clearly knew this was a great deal."
The clinic was held in east Harris County because the area has a high number of bite cases involving pit bulls. Sterilization helps reduce aggression.
Free sterilizations were offered to the first 30 pit bull or pit bull-mix dogs that showed up. Pet owners came from Katy, The Woodlands and Crosby. Only about five of the first 30 dogs sterilized were from the east side of the county.
Organizers are planning another spay/neuter day for the fall, this one probably charging a $15 copay. Details should be available next month, Lamb said.
For more information, call SNAP at 713-862-3863.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...n/4967379.html