Vicki
Administrator
East Nashville Neighborhood Gets Free Vet Care For 1 Year
Updated: Mar 16, 2011 8:05 PM EDT
by Jeff Tang
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tens of thousands of loose and stray dogs are put down in Middle Tennessee each year.
It is a heartbreaking problem that can only be fixed through access to vet care and education.
Now, the Metro Health Department plans to use a free clinic to solve a stray animal problem in East Nashville.
Winston lives in the 37207 zip code, but that's pretty much all we know about him.
We also know he's lucky to have ended up in Jan Puckett Morrison's home.
"We found him running around the neighborhood, no collar, no tag, no microchip," said Puckett Morrison.
The Highland Heights neighborhood has a huge loose dog problem. Residents filed 1,800 complaints with animal control last year alone.
"We want to enjoy our sidewalks and the outdoors but we can't with strays running around. It's scary for adults and children," Puckett Morrison said.
The problem is, many dog owners simply don't know how to care for their animals, and they often can't afford to.
To address those issues, the Metro Health Department is using stimulus grant money to open a free vet clinic for all residents of the 37207 area code. It will be open for an entire year.
The Nashville Humane Association also won grant money to help run the clinic using its Rover vehicle.
"It will provide spay and neuter, vaccinations, physical exams, and we'll treat things like ear infections and heartworm treatment," said Mary Pat Boatfield, Executive Director of Nashville Humane.
Behavior experts and groomers will also be on hand to show residents how to care for their animals.
"Increasing access, and the chance to see a vet is amazing. This is what the public asked for," said Joe Pinilla with the Metro Public Health Department.
The hope is thousands will utilize the free services.
"Winston is going to get fixed and vaccinated the first day the clinic's open," said Puckett Morrison.
And perhaps, Highland Heights' loose animal problem will be fixed not through euthanasia, but through education.
"I want to help the community reach their goal of having a safe community that's also healthier for their pets," said Boatfield.
In the next few months, the health department will spearhead a similar free program in the 37013 zip code, which is in Antioch.
Both free clinics will require you show proof you live in that particular zip code.
Here is the schedule for the Highland Heights Clinic:
* Pet wellness clinic (Appointment Preferred)
Friday, March 18, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
* Spay/neuter clinic (Appointment Required)
Thursday, March 24
Thursday, March 31
Thursday, April 14
Thursday, April 28
News Video at Link:
http://www.newschannel5.com/story/14137281/east-nashville-neighborhood-gets-free-vet-care-for-1-year
Updated: Mar 16, 2011 8:05 PM EDT
by Jeff Tang
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tens of thousands of loose and stray dogs are put down in Middle Tennessee each year.
It is a heartbreaking problem that can only be fixed through access to vet care and education.
Now, the Metro Health Department plans to use a free clinic to solve a stray animal problem in East Nashville.
Winston lives in the 37207 zip code, but that's pretty much all we know about him.
We also know he's lucky to have ended up in Jan Puckett Morrison's home.
"We found him running around the neighborhood, no collar, no tag, no microchip," said Puckett Morrison.
The Highland Heights neighborhood has a huge loose dog problem. Residents filed 1,800 complaints with animal control last year alone.
"We want to enjoy our sidewalks and the outdoors but we can't with strays running around. It's scary for adults and children," Puckett Morrison said.
The problem is, many dog owners simply don't know how to care for their animals, and they often can't afford to.
To address those issues, the Metro Health Department is using stimulus grant money to open a free vet clinic for all residents of the 37207 area code. It will be open for an entire year.
The Nashville Humane Association also won grant money to help run the clinic using its Rover vehicle.
"It will provide spay and neuter, vaccinations, physical exams, and we'll treat things like ear infections and heartworm treatment," said Mary Pat Boatfield, Executive Director of Nashville Humane.
Behavior experts and groomers will also be on hand to show residents how to care for their animals.
"Increasing access, and the chance to see a vet is amazing. This is what the public asked for," said Joe Pinilla with the Metro Public Health Department.
The hope is thousands will utilize the free services.
"Winston is going to get fixed and vaccinated the first day the clinic's open," said Puckett Morrison.
And perhaps, Highland Heights' loose animal problem will be fixed not through euthanasia, but through education.
"I want to help the community reach their goal of having a safe community that's also healthier for their pets," said Boatfield.
In the next few months, the health department will spearhead a similar free program in the 37013 zip code, which is in Antioch.
Both free clinics will require you show proof you live in that particular zip code.
Here is the schedule for the Highland Heights Clinic:
* Pet wellness clinic (Appointment Preferred)
Friday, March 18, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
* Spay/neuter clinic (Appointment Required)
Thursday, March 24
Thursday, March 31
Thursday, April 14
Thursday, April 28
News Video at Link:
http://www.newschannel5.com/story/14137281/east-nashville-neighborhood-gets-free-vet-care-for-1-year