Department of Agriculture Announces Availability of New Dog and Cat Specialty License Plates

ATLANTA, Dec. 3, 2003 -- In an effort to help curb Georgia's homeless pet population, specialty vehicle license plates are now available at county tag offices statewide, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) announced this week.

The commemorative license plates, which feature a dog and cat depicted against a Georgia peach, can be purchased at county tag offices for a one-time $25 fee when motorists renew their vehicle registrations. Proceeds will provide funding for GDA's Dog and Cat Sterilization Program. This critical program provides reimbursements to licensed and accredited veterinarians who perform spay/neuter procedures. Proceeds from the program also will provide educational outreach on the healthy choice of spaying and neutering pets.

The Humane Association of Georgia (HAGA) and other partners lauded the program, which fills a critical need in reducing Georgia's homeless dog and cat populations. In fact, animal overpopulation costs taxpayers millions each year. Roughly $10 million was spent in the 10-County Metro Atlanta area in 2002 for animal control.

Every year, thousands of dogs and cats must be killed in shelters throughout Georgia because they have no home. The Dog and Cat Sterilization License Plate can help change this, as well as saving money and lives by reducing the number of animals being housed and killed in animal shelters.

"Sales of these commemorative license plates will provide the vital funding needed to help us control Georgia's homeless pet population," said Commissioner Tommy Irvin. "We encourage Georgians to support this much-needed program by buying Dog and Cat Sterilization License Plates for their vehicles."