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Ross said an anonymous donor gave $10,000 to the organization to help offset the costs of spaying or neutering. The average cost to spay or neuter an animal is about $80.
"It's a low-cost spay-neuter program," Ross said. "(The pet owner) pays whatever they can, and the grant picks up the rest."
BARL has also received a $6,000 grant from PETsMART. That program is administered by area veterinarians, with the grant paying $40 of spay-neuter costs, Ross said.
"The cost of that is based on the weight of the animal," Ross said.
The Jackson Friends of the City Animal Shelter recently gave BARL a $3,500 grant to help expand spay-neuter activities.
The grant funds came from the purchase of "I Care for Animals" car tags. Citizens may purchase the special tags for $35, with proceeds distributed to help animal rescue leagues and humane societies around the state.
Ross said BARL actively seeks grants and was appreciative to receive the funding assistance.
"We apply for every grant that's out there," Ross said. "We get lucky sometimes and get a few."
Ross said the cost of spaying or neutering is included when people adopt a pet from BARL, which operates a no-kill shelter. He said community spay-neuter programs helps control unwanted pet populations.
"It keeps unwanted pets from being born so we don't have to deal with them," Ross said.
The United Way of Lincoln County has given BARL $8,000 to assist with organization activities. Of that money, $5,000 is to help with operational expenses and $3,000 is to go toward BARL's new animal facility near the thermometer plant.
"We'll build it little by little," Ross said about the new facility.
Ross indicated the other funds were much needed.
"We have huge vet bills, and it's very hard to keep up with those," Ross said.
Additional information about BARL's spay-neuter programs is available by calling 757-4367 or by visiting the organization's web site at www.BARL.net.
