4-legged pals get TLC in spay-neuter outreach

The van pulled out at daybreak Friday, drove onto Edisto Island and left with 53 dogs and 12 cats. Friday night, it brought them home — spayed and neutered, nails clipped, checked over by a veterinarian, complete with doggie bags that included collars and leashes.

It all started when an emaciated dog that had been struck by a car limped up on the steps of an island church. A group of ministers approached the Charleston Animal Society, asking for help with an animal population they said was getting out of control, and church members who couldn't afford to clip their pets.

The society, helped by a grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, held a twin-surgery ward, four-veterinarian mass clinic, performing $4,000 worth of medical care with staff time thrown in free.

"The ministers told us, 'There's animals dying here. There are strays getting hit in the roads,' " Jim Bush, society director, said. "No animal should be forced to live like that. The really nice thing is that it's going to help the overpopulation problem."

Some of the animals were rescues. Some of them were pets. They were brought to a church parking lot for pickup. Kay Hyman, society outreach director was struck by how many of the animals were purebred. "This shows me the word is out; people are getting it about the importance of spaying and neutering their animals."

The clinic is part of the ASPCA's Mission: Orange; a national campaign to improve community animal care in an effort to end euthanasia of animals. Charleston is one of seven cities now taking part.

"If you know somebody in your community who can't afford to have their pet spayed or neutered, let us know. We will find a way," Bush said.

Reach Bo Petersen at 937-5744.