Emergency Medical Services

Office of the Judge-Executive

Shelby County Fiscal Court

News Release

May 4, 2009

Animal Shelter Opens On-Site Spay/Neuter Surgical Room

Shelbyville, KY. Shelby County Acting Animal Control Director Rusty Newton announces the opening of a spay/neuter surgical room located inside of the Shelby County Animal Shelter. The room is the result of the successful completion of a long-term goal in which all animals at the shelter be spayed/neutered prior to their adoption.

Funding for this project was made possible by Lifebridge for Animals Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal advocacy organization, whose dedication in conjunction with that of the Animal Shelters has made this goal a reality. Lifebridge for Animals was able to purchase all the equipment deemed necessary for the surgical room, through the guidance of Elk Creek Animal Hospital veterinarian Dr. Alex Shelley. Dr. Shelley volunteered his services by recommending to Lifebridge for Animals the appropriate equipment needed for the new surgical room.

Participating veterinarians Dr. Stephanie Pollett from the Middletown Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Theresa Gregory from the Crestwood Animal Hospital and the Shelby County Human Society have agreed to perform the spay/neuter surgeries at the shelter for a modest hourly fee. The Shelby County Animal Shelter will be using the money previously allotted for spay/neuter vouchers, to contribute to the payment of the surgeries. The Shelby County No-Kill Mission has agreed to absorb all other surgery costs. The first alteration surgeries were achieved in April.

Newton states, “We’re thankful for the contribution that Lifebridge for Animals has given us. We also appreciate the continued support of the Shelby County No Kill Mission and the other organizations and individuals that work to ensure that all of our adoptable animals find a good home. Together with these organizations, the Shelby County Animal Shelter strives to become and remain a no kill shelter by controlling the pet population.”

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For Additional Information Contact:

Rusty Newton, Acting Animal Control Director, Deputy County Judge-Executive

Shelby County Animal Control

206 Kentucky Street

Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065

(502) 633-0009 or (502) 633-1220

(502) 633-7623 Fax

Rusty.Newton@shelbycountykentucky.com

Lifebridge for Animals, Inc.

www.peteducationky.org

Shelby County No Kill Mission

http://www.shelbycohumanesociety.com/clinic.htm