(941) 432-2090 ext. 241

6.1 MILLION LOST PETS PROMPTS NATIONAL TAG DAY CAMPAIGN

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 23, 2000) – Lee County Animal Services is joining forces with the American Humane Association (AHA) to launch a national public awareness campaign called Tag Day to be held this year on Saturday, April 8.

Animal Services plans to celebrate Tag Day by holding a Pet ID Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its shelter, 5600 Banner Drive, which is located within Six-Mile Commercial Park off Six-Mile Cypress Parkway. Citizens will be able to purchase a Lee County license ($5) for their pet and a nationally registered microchip ID for $10. Animal Services’ veterinarian, in cooperation with local veterinarians, will offer $5 rabies shots and other low-cost vaccinations.

Everyday Lee County Animal Services receives calls from distraught citizens who have lost their pets. “It’s an awful feeling when you realize your pet is missing, especially if you know they got out the door or past the gate without an identification tag,” says Loretta Weigand, Chief Animal Control Officer with Lee County Animal Services.

While most pet owners think that losing a pet could never happen to them, a recent National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy revealed that it happens a lot: About 3.8 million dogs and 2.3 million cats entering the nation’s shelters last year were strays. In Lee County, 4,645 stray dogs and 3,888 stray cats were picked up in 1999.

What makes this reality even sadder is the low rate at which these animals are claimed by their owners. Just 23% of the dogs and only 2% of the cats in Lee County were claimed by their owners last year. Animal Services cannot adopt out all of the unclaimed animals because there simply are not enough homes.

To improve those odds, “We’re using this day to encourage pet owners to be sure their pet is wearing its license tag. Adding an ID tag or microchip will further help local agencies identify and return lost pets,” says Pamela Hodgens, Director of Lee County Animal Services. “ID tags insure animals a return trip home. Otherwise the animal may be brought to the shelter where space severely limits the amount of time we can hold them.”

For more information on Tag Day, call Ria Brown, Public Promotions Specialist, Lee County Animal Services at (941) 432-2090 ext. 241.