By Taylor Moore

Staff writer

VOLUSIA COUNTY - Since Oct. 1, an oversized bus worth roughly $100,000 has been barreling all over Volusia County, snipping away at local pets in order to control the overpopulation problem.

This might sound like the work of some weird vigilante, but fear not - 'tis the Volusia County Animal Control in action.

To counteract the ever-growing stray dog and cat population, the VCAC has purchased the mammoth Pet Vet Cruiser to provide an important service to underprivileged residents in Volusia County - free to low-cost spaying and neutering of their pets.

Becky Wilson, director of the VCAC, said the department began setting up appointments in early September, and will commence surgeries this month through November.

"This state-of-the-art mobile clinic is going to be used to target economically disadvantaged areas of the county identified by our animal control officers," Ms. Wilson said.

She asserts that the Volusia County area has been a prevalent hotbed for unwanted puppies and kittens, and that the cruiser is a means to properly amend the population concern.

"Approximately 10,000 animals are euthanized every year in Volusia County," Ms. Wilson said. "A lot of people just don't realize how many unwanted animals are out there, and how important it is to spay and neuter their pets."

Dawn Lauer, spokeswoman for the Humane Society of the United States, said that roughly 6 to 8 million animals are brought into shelters every year, and that 3 to 4 million of those animals are euthanized.

The Pet Vet Cruiser's schedule has the bus all over Volusia County throughout October and November.

Residents who want their pets spayed or neutered must make an appointment ahead of time, as they must prove eligibility for the program, via Medicaid verification, food stamp identification cards or any other evidence of public assistance.

The animal should not eat or drink the night before the operation, VCAC representatives said.

The vehicle was purchased by the county from the Animal Rescue Need and Intervention Foundation, a Daytona Beach based organization that rescues and rehabilitates animals that would otherwise be euthanized, Ms. Wilson said.

The Pet Vet Cruiser will not only provide neutering and spaying, but will also cover rabies vaccines and pet licensing for low-income families.

However, according to Volusia County documents, the county only paid half, due to a hefty donation of $50,000 from the Greater Daytona Dog Fanciers, a local club for show dog enthusiasts.

For more information on the Volusia County Pet Vet Cruiser, and eligibility guidelines, visit www.volusia.org/animalcontrol.

Residents may also call the appointment hotlines at (386) 323-3575 or, in the New Smyrna Beach area, call (386) 424-6875.

tmoore@hometownnewsol.com

322-5926