Christ Yoder
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Gateway Pet Guardians (GPG) recently introduced a free in-house sterilization and sterilization program for community-owned pets. Recent grants from the BISSELL Pet Foundation will help GPG reduce the pet population in the East Side Pet District – East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights, Washington Park and Fairmont City.
September 21, 2021 (East St. Louis, IL) – Gateway Pet Guardians (GPG) recently introduced a free in-house sterilization and sterilization program for community-owned pets. Since launching in July, their clinic team has provided this service to over 250 pets at no cost to families in the community, and with the support of a recent grant from the BISSELL Pet Foundation (BPF), GPG is on track to neuter and neuter more than 500 pets through 2021.
With thousands of animals abandoned each year, proactive sterilization / neutering procedures tackle the root cause of animal overpopulation by preventing unwanted births, freeing up space for animals in need and saving animals for possible abandonment or euthanasia.
“We understand how important it is to support prevention efforts that enable our partners to save lives through safe sterilization and sterilization procedures,” said BPF Founder Cathy Bissell. “We also strongly encourage all pet owners to be responsible and to have their pets sterilized, to further ensure the health of pet populations.”
With the implementation of community-based programs, the local municipal shelter in the East Side Pet District currently accommodates less than 2,000 animals per year and euthanizes less than 10 percent. By providing barrier-free access to sterilization and sterilization services, GPG reduces the cycle of animal homelessness and provides equitable access to vital care to our pet welfare community.
