Getting a jump start on summer — and hoping to do something about the large dog pound population — the Lawrence County Commission has proclaimed June Dog and Puppy Adoption Month in Lawrence County.

The proclamation came at the behest of Lawrence County Commissioner Les Boggs, who noted the recent reports from Lawrence County Dog Warden Bill Click detailing the number of dogs being taken in weekly and how many were being euthanized because no one adopted them.

“Of course, you can adopt a dog or puppy any month,” Boggs said.

However, those who adopt a pet during June will get assistance with having that pet spayed or neutered. Boggs said the Lawrence County Humane Society has agreed to pay the full cost of the procedure for those who adopt a pet from the pound during June.

Humane society treasurer Alberta Wise said people who adopt a pet from the pound, be it a dog or cat, may bring their certificate signed by the dog warden to her and she will issue a certificate to have that new pet spayed or neutered at the Wheelersburg Animal Clinic.

“We feel there are a lot of animals being picked up and euthanized and we feel like we can help some animals find a good home and hope we can cut down on the unwanted animal population,” Wise said.

Wise said much of the cost of this month-long program is paid for by a donation from the Ironton Moose Lodge.

The dog pound has taken in 964 canines since mid-May last year. Of those taken in, 180 were redeemed by their owners or adopted and given new homes; another 20 escaped, died or were stolen. The rest were destroyed. Click stressed that adopting a pet is a life-time commitment. The prospective owners should think carefully before making that decision.

“If you’re not going to take care of the pet, don’t adopt it in the first place,” Click emphasized. “This is a new member of the family. You have to take care of it the same way you would a child.”

The dog pound is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. It is located at 1302 Adams Lane in Ironton.

To contact Wise to obtain the humane society’s assistance, call 532-6624.