Bob Barker used to end the “Price is Right” game show with his famous catchphrase: “Control the pet population. Have your dog or cat spayed or neutered.”

Whiteside County Animal Control wholeheartedly agrees with that statement, and is taking part in a state-wide program to provide low-cost spay and neuter services to people who are eligible for Food Stamps or receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

Those who qualify will have the opportunity to have their pet dog or cat spayed or neutered for $15. Call Whiteside County Animal Control at (815)625-3507.

“The idea behind the Illinois Public Health and Safety Animal Population Control Act is to reduce the number of unwanted stray dogs and cats,” said Vanessa Scott, Whiteside County Animal Control Warden for the past 18 years.

The Act is also known state-wide as the Anna Cieslewicz Act or “Anna’s Law.” Cieslewicz, of Evergreen Park, was mauled to death by a stray dog while jogging in the Dan Ryan Woods of suburban Chicago.  She was 48-years-old.

Click here to view or print a copy of the Whiteside County Animal Control Population Program brochure.

The law was passed in 2005. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the program provides a means for low-income pet owners to have their dogs and cats spayed and neutered, as well as the animal vaccinated against rabies.

Residents of Whiteside County who are eligible for the program can contact Animal Control which has vouchers to be filled out and returned.  An approved voucher can be taken to a participating veterinarian at the time of the appointment.

Vouchers, along with a list of the participating veterinarians, will be available at Whiteside County Animal Control Office. Call (815) 625-3507 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Participants in the program must pay a $15 co-pay, per animal, at the time of surgery.