May is Time to Pledge to Use the Neuter/Spay Stamps

American Humane Association
Friday, 2 May 2003

The unprecedented American Partnership for Pets is asking the public to "Pledge to Use the USPS Neuter/Spay Stamps in May" to deliver its important message to the homes and hearts of America and to break a few records along the way.

In response to support shown by the American Partnership for Pets, in September 2002, the US Postal Service issued close to 250 million Neuter/Spay Stamps, more than tripling the number of stamps usually issued for a commemorative subject.

Just six months later, USPS central distribution shipped an additional 219 million Neuter/Spay Stamps to local post offices and to the public.

"We know that many of those local post offices have sold out, re-ordered more stamps, and sold those out too," says Sara Khurody-Downs, representing the American Partnership for Pets. "We could not be more pleased to see how popular these stamps are. Our Partnership has worked hard to get the word out about these stamps -- and about the benefits of spaying and neutering -- and to direct the public to neighborhood veterinarians and animal organizations through the free public service, www.pets911.com, that is printed on every sheet of stamps."

She adds, "We have worked alongside the USPS and local postal employees and we are very proud of what we have accomplished together. We are also working to make these the first social awareness stamps in USPS history to sell out."

The Partnership is asking Americans to use these stamps on all their mail throughout May and beyond until the stamps are sold out. The Partnership is also encouraging people to publicly and proudly wear Neuter/Spay Stamp pins during this pledge month. These pins and other merchandise that supports the mission of the American Partnership for Pets may be ordered at www.spayneuter.us.

More details about the May plege are available by visiting www.americanpartnershipforpets.org or e-mailing info@americanpartnershipforpets.org. The website also has comprehensive information about the benefits of spay/neuter, local stamp celebrations, and the stamps.

"We hope that the USPS will consider reprinting these popular stamps so that we may continue to use them as a tangible tool to raise awareness about the benefits of neutering and spaying. And while we are at it, we also hope for it to rank as the top-selling commemorative stamp in USPS history," says Khurody-Downs.

The highest number of modern-day commemorative stamps printed was 517 million. That honor belongs to the Elvis stamp issued in 1993. But as Ann Gearhart of The Snyder Foundation for Animals, an American Partnership for Pets partner, quipped, "Move over hound dog. Here comes Neuter/Spay!"

The Neuter/Spay Stamps may be purchased at local post offices or by calling 1-800-STAMP-24 or visiting www.usps.com.

About American Partnership for Pets

An estimated eight to 10 million animals are taken in by American shelters and rescue groups each year, and an estimated four to five million of these animals are euthanized. Spaying and neutering is part of responsible pet care. It has health benefits, may help address behavioral issues, and prevents the births of unwanted litters. Spay/neuter benefits you, your pet, and your community.

The American Partnership for Pets is an unprecedented team of leading veterinary, humane, animal control, and fancier organizations that have set differences aside and united to speak with one voice on behalf of our nation's homeless and unwanted animals. The growing number of visionary members include: Actors and Others for Animals, Alley Cat Allies, American Humane Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Animal News Center, Association of Professional Humane Educators, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Cat Fanciers' Association, Doing Things for Animals, The Doris Day Animal Foundation, FIREPAW, Humane Association of Georgia, The Humane Society of the United States, In Defense of Animals, The Latham Foundation, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Animal Control Association, National Humane Education Society, Noah's Wish, North Shore Animal League of America, Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, Petsavers Foundation, Pets 911, PETsMART Charities (funding partner), Prevent a Litter Coalition, Snyder Foundation for Animals, State Humane Association of California, Texas Federation of Humane Societies, Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation, Tufts Animal Expo, United Animal Nations, Virginia Federation of Humane Societies, and many community partners. These organizations are committed to setting a standard for collaborative approach to a societal issue.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, American Humane is the only national organization dedicated to both child and animal protection. Headquartered in Denver, with regional offices in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, American Humane provides national leadership in the development of programs and policies, empowering child and animal protection professionals with valuable information and support resources.

For more information, or to contact American Humane Association, see their website at: www.americanhumane.org