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Dog and Cat Sterilization Program Buddy Plate

Press Release 12/12/2005

Contact: Public Affairs (404) 656-3689

New Spay/Neuter License Plate
Tommy Irvin Unveils Georgia’s Best Buddy

Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin unveiled Georgia’s new spay/neuter license plate today at a press conference in downtown Atlanta.

The tag features Buddy, a large retriever, who is carrying the message that Georgians should spay and neuter their animals to prevent dog and cat overpopulation.

The art on the new tag is by Carolyn Ritter of Alpharetta and was selected from among more than 400 entries in a contest held this past summer by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.  

“Animal lovers now have a choice from two vehicle tag designs to help stop pet overpopulation,” said Commissioner Irvin.

More than 46,000 tags were sold of the first design and proceeds were used to help pay for 19,000 spay/neuter surgeries throughout Georgia.  The new license plate is scheduled to be in tag offices by February 1^st.   More than $22 of the one-time $25 fee for the specialty plate goes to the Dog and Cat Sterilization Fund.  The fund helps to pay for spay and neuter procedures performed by Georgia veterinarians and for educational materials about the healthy choice of sterilization. “The fund helped pay for spay/neuter procedures in all of Georgia’s 159 counties.  That is a far-reaching success I hope will continue,” said Commissioner Irvin.

“The Georgia Department of Agriculture recognizes the enormous problem of dog and cat overpopulation in the state.  Through our Dog and Cat Sterilization Program, we are working to curb this epidemic and its tragic consequences,” said Irvin. 

The tag should be available in tag offices by February 1^st.

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Editor’s note: It is also possible to make a direct donation to the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program by sending a check to: Dog and Cat Sterilization Fund (DCSF), POB 347043,
Atlanta GA  30334-7043

Click for more information
Animal Industry - Dog and Cat Sterilization Program

Additional Press Conference Pictures:

Commissioner Irvin explains about the spay/neuter program as Jeff Roberts and two kittens with PAWS Atlanta look on.

Two sleepy puppies from PAWS Atlanta attended the press conference and are waiting for adoption.

Carolyn Ritter, artist for the new tag, explains the attraction of "Buddy" the Retriever.

A PAWS Atlanta representative with "Georgia", who is waiting for a new home.

Irvin unveils new dog and cat sterilization tag at press conference, 12-12-05

Commissioner Irvin with artist, Carolyn Ritter, and representative of Paws Atlanta, Jeff Roberts.

Commissioner Irvin responds to questions from the media, 12-12-05.

Commissioner Irvin and artist, Carolyn Ritter, unveil the new license plate, 12-12-05.

Veterinarians support the new license plate.  Pictured left to right are Dr. Carter Black, Associate State Veterinarian; Dr. Lee Myers, State Veterinarian; Carolyn Ritter, artist; Tommy Irvin, Agriculture Commissioner; Dr. Gene Maddox, Georgia House of Representatives; Dr. Ed Mahaffey, Georgia Veterinary Medical Association.