McGrady first to buy plates in Sandusky County
Pet license plate funds to help curb state's pet overpopulation. Plates cost $25 in addition to standard license fees.
Barbara McGrady, Sandusky County animal advocate and president of Society for the Protection of Animals, Inc., was the first person in Sandusky County to purchase the Ohio "Pet" license plates.
"Far too many adoptable dogs and cats are being killed in Ohio shelters and pounds every day. The only answer is for people to realize the importance of spaying and neutering their cats and dogs," McGrady said.
McGrady had requested personalized plates several years ago that said, "FIXEM" in an effort to advocate spaying and neutering of pets. McGrady said she was elated to hear about Ohio's decision to offer the PET PLATE design.
"Hopefully my plates will be seen by others when they're behind me at a stop light, and they will consider doing more than thinking about altering their pets."
McGrady added, "Please remember when considering adopting a pet to first look at your county dog pounds and shelters. Adopting from the pound saves a life."
It took more than four years, but the pet plate, Ohio's newest specialty license plate, passed the Ohio Legislature by much more than a wet nose.
Senator Robert L. Schuler, R-Cincinnati sponsored the bill.
The pet plates will cost motorists $25 in addition to standard license fees. By state law, $10 of the fee goes to the bureau of motor vehicles. Fifteen dollars will go to the Ohio Pet Fund.
Proceeds from the sale of the plate will be used for the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats to curb Ohio's pet overpopulation. Funds will also be used to educate the public about the proper veterinary care of the pets.
Nationally syndicated cartoonist Jenny Campbell of Chagrin Falls designed the artwork for the plate. While the plate displays a cartoon image of a comical dog and a cat looking out a car window, Schuler explains there is a very serious side to the plate.
"It is estimated that 4- to 6- million dogs and cats are destroyed each year in animal shelters across the country. According to a survey by Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, two-thirds of the homeless dogs and cats taken in by animal shelters are euthanized; only one-fourth are adopted," Schuler said.
Rep. Patricia Clancy R-Cincinnati says it's a tragic cycle.
"We can't adopt our way out of the homeless animal problem," Clancy said. "We'd each have to adopt 45 cats and 15 dogs to deal with the crisis, and that's just not going to happen. We need to focus on the root of the problem. Spay/neuter stops the breeding cycle."
"One simple solution to the problem is just not letting our family dogs and cats breed," says Peggy Kaplan of The Ohio Pet Fund, the nonprofit corporation that will benefit from the sale of the plates. "Spay/neuter not only reduces overpopulation, but also has health benefits for the animals and reduces annoying behaviors like spraying, fighting, and going into heat.
"But some people can't afford the cost of the spay/neuter surgery. The funds from the sale of the plate will help shelters neuter their animals before adoption, help fix stray cats, and assist limited income families with the cost of surgery."
The Ohio Pet Fund does not anticipate funding until late 2005 or early 2006. Once enough money is raised, the fund will offer a grant application to municipal shelters, nonprofit humane societies, rescue organizations and veterinary associations. Through the organizations, funding will also be able to help individuals who meet the qualifying guidelines for having their pets spayed or neutered.
"The more plates we sell, the more dogs and cats we can help," said Kaplan. "Who knows, maybe one day Ohio may become known as a state where there are no more homeless pets."
To learn how more about the "Pet" plate or to be notified of the plate's release date, visit the Web site at www.petsohio.com.
Originally published Wednesday, March 16, 2005