Roughly half of all puppies and kittens born in the U.S. are dead or abandoned before they reach their second birthday, said Sharon Darr, co-founder of the Central Wyoming Spay and Neuter Foundation.

On Sunday, the foundation will give away 70 free spay and neuter vouchers.

About 110 animals in Natrona County are euthanized each month, Darr said, a rate that can be reduced if more people spay or neuter their animals.

Certificates for free operations will be given away to celebrate Spay Day USA, a national day raising spay and neuter awareness.

This will be the first Spay Day USA celebration in Casper. Typically, the foundation helps those in financial need with spays and neuters. This event is for everyone.

It can cost about $75 to spay or neuter a cat or $100-$125 for a dog, depending on the size, Darr said.

Half of the free operations were donated by local veterinarians or philanthropists and the other half are matched by the spay and neuter foundation.

In addition to overpopulation problems, Darr said spaying and neutering helps keep animals healthier.

"It generally makes them better pets," Darr said. "If you have a wild male, it will make them more calm."

The raffle will be at the Casper Humane Society on Sunday during the "Oh, Give Kitty a Home" open house.

Humane Society spokesperson Gayle Irwin said cat adoption prices will be reduced today and Sunday, and if you are willing to adopt a pair, fees will be the same as a single adoption.

Zig and Zag, for example, are four-year-old declawed, neutered cats. They're brothers - Zig is a black and white tuxedo cat; Zag is a brown and white tabby.

The Humane Society will also have "Teatime with Tabby," with refreshments, a performance by Casper's Oil City Slickers Barbershop Chorus, and raffle prizes of its own.

Irwin said an educational speaker will give a presentation on integrating a cat into a new home. The lecture includes advice on introducing a new cat to other pets in a house and creating a healthy environment.

Students from Frontier Middle School will bring toys, litter and other animal-related items to the Humane Society on Sunday afternoon as part of their Random Acts of Kindness program.

"The main thing is getting the message out," Darr said. "Any time you can create awareness, that is good."

Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com

Humane Society events

* Spay Day USA: A drawing for 70 free spay and neuters will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Casper Humane Society. Sign up at PetCo. today at the Humane Society booth or at the Humane Society today or Sunday before 3 p.m.

* "Oh, Give Kitty a Home": Adopt an adult cat at the Humane Society today or Sunday, $30 for one or $50 for two.

* "Cat House Open House": Listen to Casper's Oil City Slickers Barbershop Chorus, enter a Humane Society raffle, listen to a talk on introducing a new cat or enjoy "Tea Time with Tabby" refreshments 1-4 p.m. on Sunday at the Casper Humane Society.

For more information: Go to The Casper Humane Society at 849 E. E St., on Frontage Road between Center and McKinley streets or call 265-5439