Sharyn Neal (Public Viewpoint, Nov. 29) makes an excellent point that having our pets spayed and neutered reduces the number of animals in area shelters, some of which have to be euthanized to make space for incoming animals. And the cost of the procedures does make it difficult for some families.
To address the cost issue, the following area organizations have programs that can help:
The Humane Society of the Ozarks has vouchers the individual/familycan use with some local veterinarians to reduce the cost. Go to www.hsozarks.
org. Under the Spay/Neuter Vouchers menu you will find the information on cost and directions for applying.
Spay Arkansas has its own clinic in Springdale.
If the individual/family qualifies (household income information is required) the cost is dramatically reduced. The website for Spay Arkansas is www.
spayarkansas.org.
The above organizations are able to offer the reduced cost for spay/neuter procedures thanks todonations, memberships and fundraisers.
The Fayetteville Animal Shelter has a full-time veterinarian on staff. The cost of a spay/ neuter procedure is $10.
Qualifi cations are the same as spay/neuter. You can Google Fayetteville Animal Shelter or fi nd that website at www.accessfayetteville.
org/government/animal_ services/index.cfm.
Washington County also has a spay/neuter program with the same qualifying restrictions. Information for Washington County residents (outside theFayetteville city limits) can be found at county.
washington.ar.us
Not only does having our pets spayed and neutered reduce unwanted animals in the community, it actually improves the life of the animal by reducing the chances of cancer and keeping the male animals from wandering. The Spay Arkansas website has some excellent information in the Facts and Myths section.
PRISCILLA KUMPE
Fayetteville
Board member, Humane Society of the OzarksTAX CUTS FOR WHOM?
The Republican congressmen are saying that a tax cut for the millionaires and billionaires would hurt small businesses and cause job loss.
The tax cuts for the very rich, granted by the Bush administration, have been in effect for eight years now. How many new jobs have they created?
Millionaires and billionaires are not typically small business owners. They area big-time investors. Arethe Republican congressmen dead set on protecting them because they are the major source of campaign fi nance funds?
Since they are not small business owners, what other reason could there be?
I predict that, if the Republicans are successful in protecting the very rich and putting the burden of financial reform on the middle and lower classes, they will have a very diftcult time getting reelected for years to come.
BILL KELLER
Bella Vista
Opinion, Pages 11 on 12/09/2012