013: Ohio Animal Advocates' Journey with Vicki Deisner & Dan Spehar

What if a simple procedure could transform your community's future of animal welfare?

On this episode of United We Spay, Vicki Deisner from Ohio Animal Advocates and community cat management expert Dan Spehar address this question through the lens of affordable spay-neuter services. Their conversation with Stacy underscores these initiatives' critical role in managing overpopulation and fostering collaboration between citizens and local governments. Dan offers compelling insights into the humane effectiveness of trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs, highlighting the Together Initiative for Ohio's Community Cats as a successful model for stakeholder empowerment and local action.

Explore the robust and impactful efforts of Ohio Animal Advocates in partnership with the United Spay Alliance as Vicki sheds light on the challenges and solutions in statewide animal welfare. From the complexities of reporting animal cruelty to the vital need for accessible spay-neuter services for larger breeds, the conversation examines real-world solutions, like Cheri Storms' program in Indiana and the AlterClinic led by Laura Groves in Ohio. These initiatives exemplify successful tri-state collaboration and expansion of veterinary capacity across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky during challenging times.

Hear stories of community empowerment and creative problem-solving, showcasing how individuals driven by passion can make a significant impact, even without prior experience or a substantial budget. Highlighting projects like Sunday spay-neuter clinics in Massachusetts and Riggi Rescue's efforts in New London, Ohio, we discuss practical strategies and resources available for those eager to start similar initiatives.

With tools like the Ohio Spay-Neuter Connection page, community members are equipped to manage local cat populations sustainably and compassionately, demonstrating that change is possible with the right approach and resources.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Exploration of affordable spay-neuter services' role in tackling animal overpopulation, with insights from Vicki Deisner and Dan Spehar
• The humane trap-neuter-return (TNR) method for managing community cats and its importance
• Ohio Animal Advocates' partnership with the United States Alliance and their statewide initiatives during the pandemic
• Success stories from for-profit spay-neuter clinics and community events showcasing innovative solutions for rural areas
• The Together Initiative for Ohio's Community Cats and its impact on local animal welfare efforts
• Collaborative efforts across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, focusing on expanding veterinary capacity and community partnerships
• Case studies of successful community cat management programs, including Riggi Rescue and AlterClinic's mass trapping events

Resources from this Episode

Feline Fix by Five: www.unitedspayalliance.org/feline-fix-by-five

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Episode Credits