One way to reduce the number of stray animals in the county is to reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies born each year.

With this in mind, the Lawrence County Humane Society plans to establish a low-cost spay and neuter clinic and has asked both Ironton and Lawrence County leaders to help find a suitable location for it.

"We've talked to a vet who would be willing to come in and do this at low cost," Lawrence County Humane Society Treasurer Alberta Wise said. "If you go to Ashland it would cost you right around $130, but through this clinic it would be more like $37 to have a female cat spayed."

Wise declined to identify the local veterinarian who has agreed to become involved in the clinic.

"I talked to the mayor (Ironton Mayor John Elam) about the old trailer that was used by the fire department, but it would have to find a place to put it if we did this," said Robert Beasley, humane society president.

Wise said whatever the outcome, she would like to see the clinic opened in the Ironton area.

"We don't have a vet on this end of the county on the Ohio side of the river," she said. "The closest one, I think, is in Chesapeake and then one in Wheelersburg."

The clinic would serve all county residents regardless of income and would handle both cats and dogs. The humane society would purchase the necessary equipment.

The clinic would likely operate one day a week until it gets established, Wise said.