RALEIGH, N.C. -- The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Animal Welfare Section reimbursed counties almost $400,000 for spay/neuter procedures last year, thanks in part to purchases of "Animal Lovers" specialty license plates.
The procedures were intended for pets belonging to low-income residents.
In all, 27 counties requested more than $432,000 in reimbursements for more than 8,000 surgeries performed. The Animal Welfare Section was able to reimburse $398,955.
The N.C. Veterinary Medical Association says spaying or neutering decreases the risk of cancer in dogs and cats, decreases aggressive behaviors and eliminates most urine marking behaviors, among a host of other benefits.
