Work on low-cost spay/neuter clinic now underway

Apr. 2—PRINCETON — Work is underway on a low-cost spay/neuter clinic which will help address the Mercer County area's large population of homeless dogs and cats which keep local animal shelters full.

Contractors are working on renovating a barn near the Mercer County Animal Shelter which was once used by the local Humane Society, said County Commissioner Gene Buckner, who serves on a committee working on establishing a low-cost spay/neuter clinic.

"They're doing the construction now and getting everything ready inside," Buckner said Tuesday. "It's going to be a really good place to start us off."

The future clinic has a veterinarian and the committee is still seeking a director. There have been advertisements in the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, and people interested in applying can also contact Buckner at 304-920-8334.

Buckner said the renovated barn will be the clinic's temporary location.

"We still plan to build a new building," he said.

This permanent location will be at the old animal shelter's site. The building, located near the present animals shelter, was torn down two or three years ago, Buckner said.

An exact date for the new clinic's opening has not been set, but the plan is to open it by mid-April, Buckner said. When it opens will depend on getting the necessary personnel.

The spay/neuter clinic received its federal identification number Monday and is now registered as the corporation Furever Fixed, which will be the clinic's name. Work of getting a 501c3 status so the clinic can accept donations and "we're just waiting for the OK from the Secretary of State's Office," Buckner said.

While work on the new low-cost clinic continues, the Mercer County Animal Shelter started distributing spay/neuter vouchers Tuesday to pet owners.

The shelter had only enough vouchers Tuesday for 125 cats and 125 dogs, according to a posted statement. They are being distributed on a first come, first serve basis. They are $25 apiece.

Pet owners seeking a spay/neuter voucher must be a Mercer County resident with ID. They should not bring their pet to the shelter and should not park at the entrance to the 911 Center, the Sam Perdue Center or 911 communications. Violators will be towed.

The shelter has a list of participating veterinarians and what they require, and there could be extra charges. Staff will direct pet owners to where they need to line up for vouchers. Once all the dog and cat vouchers are accounted for, the shelter will start turning people away, according to the shelter's post.

— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com