Stephenson County Opts in For Spay & Neuter Program

FREEPORT - Stephenson County is finally jumping on the spay and neuter bandwagon. The county board just approved a sterilization program that helps low-income families and their pets.  It's part of a state program instituted years ago, but individual counties had to opt in.

The state's spay and neuter voucher program paid for itself through an increase in the pet registration fee for pet owners.  Stephenson County has amassed roughly $130,000 from collecting the fee, but the state wanted the money back if the county wasn't going to use it.  County Board member Greg Ludwig says there's a stray animal problem in the county, so they might as well use the funds within the area.

"It's collected to the point where it's got to be quite a sizeable amount," said Ludwig.  "That money is designated only for spay-neuter assistance."

It costs a $15 co-pay for pet-owners that qualify for the program.  In order to qualify you must prove eligibility by being in something like a food stamp program or be on social security disability.

Dr. William Condie, Stephenson County veterinarian, has participated in the state's program for a couple of years.  He says on average he'll perform about 10 voucher-assisted procedures a month. 

"You know people are going to have pets and if they can't afford to have them spayed or neutered they're going to cause problems, so that's reason for the program," said Condie.

Dr. Condie knows the stray problem too well.  His Freeport Animal Hospital also seconds as the Stephenson County Animal Shelter.  His office just finished unloading 40 cats this past week to loving families across the county.

"People can't keep them, they dump them out, if they haven't been spayed or neutered they just add to the problem," said Condie.

Several county board members were against the measure.  They said if you could afford an animal, you should be able to afford the costs that come with it.  Ludwig says he understands their point of view, but considers the program as a means to an end.

"If we do this for 3 - 4 years, this spay-neuter program, then maybe we won't even need the program," said Ludwig.  "Maybe the whole thing will just disappear."

Both Winnebago and Boone counties participate in the state's program.  In Boone County the co-pay is $25, and in Winnebago County the co-pay is $20.  You still have to apply through the state in order to utilize the program.