Puppies unusually numerous

A local animal shelter is filled with the pitter-patter of little paws.

Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services is housing 24 puppies, an unusually high number for this time of year. SCRAPS Director Nancy Hill said this is a record number of puppies for January. They range in age from 2 to 6 months.

“Pet owners must take more responsibility for their animals,” Hill said. All dogs and cats over 6 months old are required by law to be licensed. “The license is the pet’s phone call home if the animal is ever lost,” Hill said.

Last year SCRAPS handled a record number of animals – 3,125 dogs, 4,093 cats and 118 other animals, a 5 percent increase from 2004. Lost pets that are quickly returned to their owners help relieve overcrowding in shelters. The license also helps to fund spay/neuter and animal protection programs.

SCRAPS offers vouchers to residents of unincorporated Spokane County and the cities of Spokane Valley, Cheney and Millwood to get their pets spayed or neutered. The pet must be licensed to receive the voucher, and the license may be purchased at the time the voucher is obtained. The vouchers are dollars-off coupons and pay for all or most of the procedure. All area veterinarians participate in this program.

SCRAPS is at 2521 N. Flora Road in the Valley. For information call 477-2532.