What is Spay Maine?

Spay Maine is a consortium of Maine's animal shelters, rescue groups, animal control officers, and animal welfare advocates who are working together to decrease animal shelter intakes and euthanasias by passing legislation designed to assist low-income pet owners with spaying/neutering their pets.

Why will this work in Maine?

It will work in Maine because it was a resounding success in New Hampshire-Maine and New Hampshire are very similar in culture and population As result of its state funded low-income spay/neuter program, New Hampshire shelters have seen a dramatic decrease in shelter intakes and euthanasias. Between 1994 and 2000 New Hampshire has experienced a 34% decrease in intakes and a 75% decrease in euthanasias. Although the populations of Maine and New Hampshire are almost the same, Maine's shelter intakes are far greater than New Hampshire's. See below:

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In 2000, Maine's shelter intakes were 83% higher and Maine's euthanasias were 228% higher than New Hampshire's. New Hampshire credits it's low-income spay/neuter program with drastically reducing its shelter intakes and euthanasias.

Why is this program for low-income households?

Studies have shown that low-income households relinquish a disproportionate number of pets to shelters.* However, from the response to it's program, the administrators of the New Hampshire program are convinced that low-income people do indeed want to do what is best for their animals by having them spayed and neutered--they simply cannot afford the cost of the surgeries. Studies have shown that the cost of spaying and neutering is less than the cost of caring for animals in a shelter.** Paying to have the animals of low-income households spayed and neutered is a cost-effective program.

Other than the obvious effect of reducing the numbers of births, how else will this program reduce shelter intakes?

Neutering has a calming effect on dogs' aggressive tendencies and reduces dog and cat behavior problems. Pets with fewer behavior problems are less likely to be relinquished to shelters, Adtered animals roam less and are therefore less likely to be picked up by animal control officers.

How much will this program cost?

New Hampshire's program costs $130,000 per year, Because of Maine's higher poverty rate, we expect Maine's program to cost approximately $200,000 per year.

How can you help?

Voice your support to your legislators when this bill is introduced in December 2002. Every call, letter, and e-mail will make a huge difference. If you would like to do more, you can e-mail Susan Hall at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at (207) 781-9940,