HCWS launches Ground Zero!

HCWS has launched our second W.A.R. (War Against Reproduction) program, "Ground Zero".  This is an innovative program that takes us to the heart of the pet overpopulation problem.

Everyday we receive calls from people whose dog or cat has had another "unwanted" litter of puppies or kittens.  When we ask them why their pet was not spayed or neutered, they tell us they cannot afford the cost for the surgery or that they have no transportation.  HCWS has made a decision to assist people who want to be responsible pet owners, but cannot because of cost or transportation problems.

On Friday, January 17, 2003 we wheeled into action by having a mobile veterinary clinic go directly to a neighborhood with this problem.  Dr. Tony McCorkle and his mobile vet clinic, along with our volunteer vet-tech Alicia Yonemoto and her boys, pulled into a mobile home park to assist the residents with "fixing" their pets.  Judy Erickson from the rescue organization "Spay Our Strays" became part of our team effort by coordinating the residents.

The goal of Ground Zero is to reduce the number of unwanted pets by preventing reproduction. Each week we will target a certain neighborhood that needs assistance. With the use of a mobile vet clinic, many pet can now have their pets fixed.

The first Ground Zero clinic was a success.  HCWS is currently funding the program, but will seek a grant to defray some of the costs so Ground Zero can become a permanent part of the solution to the overpopulation problem of cats and dogs in the Las Vegas area.