Kent Animal Shelter 'Primps' Pit Bulls

With an eye toward prevention of unwanted litters, is offering a special promotion to owners of pit bulls.

“Primp Your Pit (bull)”  is a spay/neuter promotion sponsored by PetSmart Charities; during the month of August, Kent Animal Shelter will spay and neuter 120 pit pulls for a special rate of $20 -- and that includes a free nail trim.

The promotion is scheduled to try and help solve an escalating problem across the United States, where there are eight million homeless pets entering shelters each year.

Pit bulls comprise a large number of the shelter population because of public misconceptions about the breed, said Pam Green, executive director of the Kent Animal Shelter. “The ‘Primp Your Pit’ promotion helps you and your dog,” she said.

Statistics indicate that 35 percent of dogs and cats in households across the United States are not spayed or neutered, yet the procedure is one of the most effective ways to reduce the homeless pet population, Green added.

"Spaying/neutering a pet is the most effective thing a pet parent can do to prevent unwanted litters and ensure their pet lives a long, happy life," Green said.

Puppies can be spayed and neutered as young as eight to ten weeks, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, resulting in improved behavior and health for the animals and reducing the risk of some reproductive cancers and infections.

The promotion will apply to all residents of Long Island. Pit bull owners that wish to take advantage of the offer must mention the “Primp Your Pit (bull)” promotion when scheduling an appointment; based on availability. For more information, go to www.KentAnimalShelter.com or call (631) 727-7797.

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