Grant supports surgery-free pet-sterilization research

Portland, Ore. — Focus on developing a surgery-free pet-sterilization method will continue with the help of a $25,000 grant from the American Humane Association (AHA).

The Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D) hopes the funding will help find an alternative sterilization procedure, such as an injection. That would help curb reproduction and reduce the number of animals that die in shelters each year — a number that currently tops 4 million — says Joyce Briggs, ACC&D president.

"American Humane is committed to improving the welfare of cats and dogs and bringing and end to the homeless-pet problem. Being able to sterilize pets with a simple injection will vastly improve animal-protection organizations' ability to save lives," says Marie Belew Wheatley, AHA president and CEO.

With at least one nonsurgical product for male canine sterilization slated for release next year, ACC&D is also hoping to develop a three-year feline contraceptive in addition to establishing a post-doctorate program that will explore new technologies.

"We're excited about the progress we've made, but there's much work left to be done, and we can't do it alone," Briggs says.