LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. — Overpopulation in animal shelters is a serious problem in the Tennessee Valley. A new low-cost spay/neuter clinic is hoping to reduce those numbers.
This initiative is led by a nonprofit called Partnership for Animals in Athens-Limestone (PAALS). They are hoping to significantly improve the lives of our furry friends and help control the homeless pet population in Limestone County and surrounding areas.
"We want to target the low income people, like that's the most needed," says Spay/Neuter Operation Chair Priscilla Blenkinsopp. Her goal is to make cost less of an issue for pet owners.
PAALS will be transforming an ordinary Limestone County home into the clinic and PAALS President Annaleigh Hurst says there's not much work to do on the home to transform it. "We do need to be able to have equipment and things here, obviously, to be able to perform the surgery safely and effectively. So that's where most of our goals will come in," she says.
Angela Sides is a local resident who is excited about the new clinic. She has a cat and three kittens who need to be neutered. "Something has got to give to be able to pay your utility bills and buy groceries. So spaying and neutering will fall to the bottom of the list just due to the expense of it," says Sides. Sides also says the minute they open she will be first in line!
The new clinic is expected to be up and running within the next six months.