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USPS News: Philatelic Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2001
Stamp Release No. 01-070
Postal Service Unveils 'Neuter or Spay' Postage Stamps On The Price Is Right
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Kirby and Samantha, a photogenic puppy and kitten, will be featured on new First-Class Neuter or Spay commemorative postage stamps unveiled yesterday by the U.S. Postal Service.The unveiling took place on the popular game show The Price Is Right with host and animal advocate Bob Barker. The segment of this show will air Tuesday, Dec. 11. The Neuter or Spay stamps will be issued in Sept. 2002.
"These stamps will serve as a reminder of the importance of neutering or spaying our pets," said Cathy Caggiano, executive director, Stamp Services for the Postal Service. "They will also serve as another way for the U.S. Postal Service to continue its tradition of raising the public's awareness of social issues."
"Millions of people from across the nation, who have been working to solve the tragic problem of animal overpopulation, will be delighted that the US Postal Service is issuing these all-important stamps," said Barker. "I am honored to have the opportunity to introduce these stamps to the nation on 'The Price Is Right.'"
The puppy, Kirby, and kitten, Samantha, featured on the stamp pane were adopted from animal shelters and, according to the shelters' policies, were respectively neutered and spayed. Both animals are enjoying life in Conn. with their adopting families.
An estimated 70,000 cats and dogs are born each day in the United States. Animal shelters and veterinarians throughout the country urge pet owners to neuter or spay their dogs and cats in order to combat the problem of animal overpopulation. Neutering or spaying pets can lead to better health and longer lives.
Neutered male dogs and cats have a decreased chance of developing prostate disease. They are also less likely to stray from home. Among female cats and dogs, spaying decreases the rate of breast cancer. Spaying and neutering pets also helps to eliminate many of the behavioral problems that result in animals being turned into shelters.
Derry Noyes of Washington, D.C., was designer and art director for the stamps. Photographs by Sally Andersen-Bruce of a neutered puppy and a spayed kitten are featured on this pane of 20 Neuter or Spay stamps.
To see the Neuter or Spay stamps, go to the Postal Service Web site at www.usps.com. Click on News and Events then Philatelic News, and locate the online version of this press release. The stamps will be available in September 2002. Images of many past and future stamp issues can be found in the Collector's Corner of the Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop.
All current stamps and other philatelic products, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available by calling toll free 1 800 STAMP-24. In addition, a selection of current stamps and gift items are available online at the Postal Store.
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For 226 years, the United States Postal Service has been the gateway to the household, binding friends, families and neighbors together. It is an independent federal agency that handles 46 percent of the world's mail volume, with annual revenues of $65 billion. The Postal Service is not funded with taxpayer dollars, but derives its revenues solely from the sale of postage and other products and services it provides. Through its unrivaled service network, the Postal Service delivers money, messages and merchandise daily to 135 million addresses, offering some of the most affordable postage rates in the world.
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