Residents urged to spay and neuter
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Carroll County is host to many domestic and barnyard animals that love to procreate, but county funding may not be appropriated this year to help keep them under control. Couple those facts and it could be raining cats and dogs by spring.

Despite the dreary forecast, Carroll County residents have a chance to create a brighter outlook.

Neda Pollock, co-owner of Crystal Creek Boarding Kennel near Americus in eastern Tippecanoe County, said Monday local veterinarians helped organize a spay and neuter program through the kennel.

Through the program, dubbed the "Tomcat Special," 304 animals from Carroll and surrounding counties were processed in January. Pollock said based on an average of five offspring per litter about 1,500 animals were kept out of the system. She said that was a good start, but more needed to be done to make a difference to taxpayers in the long run.

"We must all act now to make a positive impact for taxpayers," she stated.

Flora Clerk-Treasurer Joretta Tinsman represents that town on an animal control group formed to determine how to tackle the county's looming animal control issue. She serves along with members from Delphi, Camden and Deer Creek Township.

Tinsman told the Comet Monday that Carroll County residents had yet to see the impact of not having organized animal control services. She said Flora's town hall received three to four calls per week from residents in search of a means to deal with animals.

Tinsman encouraged local residents who have animals that need spayed or neutured to take Crystal Creek up on the special, which is still being offered.

"There's nothing we can do about it locally right now," Tinsman said. "Carroll County residents should take advantage of these services being offered at a good price while they can."

Through Crystal Creek's special, residents can have cats, dogs and other animals spayed or neutered for much less than would typically be charged. Those interested should call (765) 497-3141 as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

Pollock encouraged her county neighbors to move on the opportunity while it exists.

"Let's get a handle on this while we have the support of our local veterinarians," she implored. "It's a finite problem. We have a certain number of animals. We just have to find the way to fix it."