019: Systemic Solutions: Targeted Spay/Neuter and Legal Advocacy for Animal Welfare with Prof. Lisa Milot

On this episode of United We Spay, Lisa Milot, a distinguished professor of Canine Welfare Law at the University of Georgia, shares her transformative journey from an animal rescue volunteer to a nonprofit founder focused on strategic spay-neuter programs. Her passion for systemic change in animal welfare underscores the episode as she recounts her “aha moment” that shifted her focus toward addressing the root causes of pet overpopulation. Stacy and Lisa explore how collaboration with animal control and community engagement can significantly enhance spay-neuter efforts, dramatically increasing altered animals and reducing the surplus of pets without homes.

Their conversation takes a deep dive into the innovative strategies being deployed to make spay-neuter services more accessible and effective. From pop-up vet care clinics to data-driven approaches, Lisa discusses how these initiatives build community trust and showcase the power of familiar, private practice veterinarians. Furthermore, we delve into the importance of collaboration across veterinary practices, supported by the United Spay Alliance, to improve surgical techniques and offer affordable services. Lisa's insights reveal the necessity of continuous education for veterinarians and the role of incremental care in addressing community-specific needs.

Stacy and Lisa also tackle the broader legal and systemic challenges in animal welfare, such as evolving perspectives on pets in divorce agreements and the pressing crisis of pet overproduction in Georgia. Lisa highlights how local reforms can inspire broader changes, illustrating this with successful community efforts in Athens. This engaging discussion encourages listeners to contribute to systemic change and collaborate across fields to create a compassionate world for animals.

Whether you're an animal welfare advocate or new to the cause, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to support a brighter future for our furry friends.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Lisa Milot's journey from animal rescue volunteer to nonprofit founder focused on strategic spay-neuter programs
• Importance of collaboration with animal control and community engagement to enhance spay-neuter efforts
• Innovative strategies like pop-up vet care clinics and data-driven approaches for accessible and effective services
• Role of United Spay Alliance in supporting continuing education and advanced surgical techniques for veterinarians
• Legal and systemic challenges in animal welfare, including perspectives on pets in divorce agreements and pet overproduction in Georgia
• Successful community efforts in Athens as a model for broader changes in animal welfare
• Emphasis on collaboration across fields to create a compassionate world for animals

Resources from this Episode

United Spay Alliance: unitedspayalliance.org

Feline Fix by Five: felinefixbyfive.org

Lisa Milot, J.D.: www.law.uga.edu/profile/lisa-milot

Athenspets: www.athenspets.net

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