Dakin Humane Society Receives ASPCA Grant to Expand Spay/Neuter Surgical Services

SPRINGFIELD — Dakin Humane Society has received a $35,000 grant from the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to expand surgical capacities at its Community Spay/Neuter Clinic in Springfield. The funding will be used to equip an additional surgical suite, which will allow another staff veterinarian to perform spay/neuter surgery on animals.

“This grant is incredibly helpful to us,” said Carmine DiCenso, Dakin’s executive director. “The demand for affordable and accessible spay/neuter surgery is so high, and it was necessary to have additional surgical services to meet the demand. We’ll be able to help publicly owned animals as well as free-roaming cats by preventing unwanted litters. Fortunately, New England has embraced the spay/neuter message, which has alleviated the challenges of animal overpopulation and the practice of euthanizing animals for space. This grant will allow us to work more efficiently and help more animals.”

Dakin’s Community Spay/Neuter Clinic has treated more than 89,000 animals since it opened in 2009, making it one of New England’s largest spay/neuter providers.

“Access to affordable, high-volume spay/neuter is the foundation for ending animal homelessness and overpopulation in all areas of the country,” said Sarah Hess, director of Programs at the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance. “The ASPCA is honored to support Dakin Humane Society’s efforts to help more animals in need through the expansion of their spay/neuter program.”