S.A.F.E. marks 10,000th spay/neuter

A Macon-based group that aims to control the population of dogs and cats in the midstate marked its 10,000th spay or neuter on Friday.

The milestone patient was a female black Labrador puppy from Furever After, a rescue group in Macon, said Susan Helton, president of Saving Animals From Euthanasia, more commonly known as S.A.F.E.

Incorporated in 2012, S.A.F.E. performed its first surgery in May 2013 and has prevented the births of an untold number of animals, many of which likely would be unwanted, abused or neglected.

"We're beyond excited," said S.A.F.E. President Susan Helton of the 10,000th spay or neuter. "We couldn't have done it without the support of the community."

Helton also credited the Fido Fixers organization in Connecticut that has given S.A.F.E. the use of a mobile unit.

Earlier this year, S.A.F.E. was awarded a contract to handle adoptions at the Macon-Bibb County Animal Welfare shelter. The organization also spays and neuters the animals adopted there.

Prices for adopting dogs range from $125 to $150. Cats normally cost $90, but that price has been cut to $45 for the time being, Helton said.

The price includes a spay or neuter, vaccinations, including a rabies shot, and a microchip. Dogs also are tested for heartworms.

S.A.F.E. plans to open a surgical center at the shelter next year, and Helton said the organization is looking for grants to subsidize the spay/neuter costs. If that happens, the adoption fee could be reduced, she said.

To contact writer Andy M. Drury, call 744-4477.

This story was originally published November 13, 2015 at 11:32 PM with the headline "S.A.F.E. marks 10,000th spay/neuter ."