The cost of spaying / neutering

I recently adopted a kitten from a cat shelter.

When she was old enough I decided to have her spayed.
I could have gone to the shelter clinic, but the nearest shelter clinic is 30 miles away, and because I don't have a car and rely on public transportation, I thought it best to take a cab to a private veterinarian.

From what I had heard spaying a cat would cost me between $45 - $80.
Imagine my surprise when, after the operation, I was presented with a bill of $150!
I considered it to be money well spent, but did it have to be that much?

Pet owners are constantly reminded to have their pet spayed or neutered, but the veterinarians, or the government for that matter, do nothing to encourage the public.

With so many unwanted pets, why not make spaying and neutering free of charge?

A lot more people will opt for the operation for their pet.

It's heart breaking to browse animal shelter websites, displaying hundreds of pets, abandoned, looking for a home. Some find a home, some don't. Those who don't are destined to die or end up with someone who has less than their best interest at heart.
I shudder every time I see a sign "Free Kittens" or "Free Puppies".
Where do those kittens and puppies end up? Do they go to a good home, or are they unknowingly being given in the hands of cruel individuals?

The government spends millions of dollars on child support.
Every time a baby is born, the parents receive a premium, followed by a monthly fee. Some families have several children, collecting hundreds of dollars.

A lot of people are of the opinion that there should be no child support.
If a couple wants a child, let them pay for it. Why should the public's tax dollars be used to support them?
They wanted a child, and another one, and another one, why should the public have to pay for them?
Why is the government so generous with child support, but so stingy with when it comes to animal control?

There are those that will say, if you want an animal, why should the government have to pay for the spaying and neutering?
Fair enough, so why not make it 50/50?
Make it possible for the pet owner to claim back half of the bill.
A lot of people want to do the right thing, but just can't afford it.

Another problem is the great number of feral cats and dogs. What about them?
There are individuals and organizations who take it upon themselves to trap, spay/neuter and release animals. Don't they deserve some help?

We can no longer turn a blind eye to the senseless killing of thousands of shelter pets. They need help. They need my help, your help and above all, the government's help.