Residents
that spay and neuter their pets could prevent animal overpopulation from worsening
on the West Side. “It helps with
population control, first and foremost,” said Dr. Mercedes Carota, associate
veterinarian at the West Side Pet
Clinic, 1245 Niagara St. People often bring in groups of stray cats, or cat
colonies, to the clinic. “They try to trap them and spay and neuter them at
low-cost clinics. Pit bulls and cats are definitely overpopulated in this
area,” Carota said. Nick Maes, Helen Street resident, has personally experienced
the downside of not fixing a pet. When
Maes’ dog gave birth to nine puppies, six of them passed away within a week.
“It would’ve saved me about $600, a lot of heartache, a lot of time if I just
would’ve gotten her spayed,” Maes said. With so many animals in the area,
residents should know that winter weather conditions can cause animals to seek
shelter in potentially harmful locations. The Humane Society of the United
States advises people to bang on their car hood before starting the engine to
prevent serious injuries to hidden animals. By
Alyssa Brannigan and Taylor Carruth
