NEWS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARIETTA, OH  --- Marietta Community Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of a new fund to help with the spay and neuter of animals throughout Washington County. 

With a $4,000 grant from Marietta Community Foundation and $12,000 committed from the Washington County Commissioners, the Spay and Neuter Fund at the Foundation has been established and has already helped more than 75 cats and dogs. "The Foundation realizes the problem we have in this area with over population of animals and is committed to help stop the high number of animals being euthanized each month because of the problem."  Carol Wharff, Executive Director at Marietta Community Foundation, states.  "The County Commissioner's are also committed to this cause."

The Humane Society of the Mid-Ohio Valley has revised their Spay and Neuter Program and has contacted area veterinarians who are willing to participate.  Pet owners who are in need of financial help to spay or neuter their pet will need to fill out an application with the Humane Society.  Marietta Community Foundation will receive approved applications and will pay veterinarians directly when the services are provided. 

"One of the main reasons the Foundation wanted to be involved, was we felt for the Society's program to be successful, they needed a responsible third party involved to ensure that the money is properly administered, Marietta Community Foundation offers this service.  We hope that individuals will want to make a tax-deductible gift to this fund. This problem won't go away by itself.  It's important for the whole community to commit to helping reduce the animal population," states Wharff. 

To make a tax-deductible gift to the fund, please send your gift to Marietta Community Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Marietta, OH.  In your memo or note, please state that it is for the Spay and Neuter Fund.