“All they have to do is prove they live in a 54 or 04 zip code,” Trebatoski said. “Income, nothing else matters.”
Contact Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services for more info:
2020 Forest St., Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: (904) 255-7387 (PETS)
E-mail: jaxpets@coj.net
http://www.news4jax.com/news/22660200/detail.html
Grant Allows Free Neutering For Pit Bulls
City To Offer Service To Residents In 2 Local Zip Codes
POSTED: Wednesday, February 24, 2010
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It’s not uncommon in Jacksonville to find pit bulls in cages or chained up. Now Animal Care and Protective Services said it wants to change the perception of pit bulls through a state grant it just received.
“If they are raised properly, then they can be the kindest animals on the planet,” said Keshia Williams, who has two pit bulls.
Williams lives in the zip code 32254, and soon, all of her neighbors there, along with residents who live in the zip code 32204, will have a chance to get their pit bulls neutered for free.
Scott Trebatoski, the chief of Animal Care and Protective Services, said the free neutering will be part of a pilot program created to not only improve the image of pit bulls, but to also help dog owners financially.
“People who might be making ends meet but don’t have an extra couple hundred dollars to get their dogs sterilized, and the result is they’re having puppies they don’t want and they end up in our shelter,” Trebatoski said.
Trebatoski said the money to cover the services is coming from a $20,000 state grant. Once the money is distributed, people will be able to take their pit bulls to participating vets.
They must prove where they live via a driver license or utility bill.
“All they have to do is prove they live in a 54 or 04 zip code,” Trebatoski said. “Income, nothing else matters.”
The city is still working on finalizing the grant distribution, and it should be completed soon.
Several local pit bull lovers said they’re looking forward to the opportunity to get their dogs neutered.
“We all know if you spay or neuter an animal it prolongs their life,” resident Jimmie Youmans said.
“For people who ain’t got money, it’s a great idea,” resident Wade Day said.
Trebatoski said once the grant is completed, Animal Care and Protective Services will make a formal announcement. The program will be offered until September or until the money runs out.
