Spay and Neuter All Pets and Strays, or SNAPS, a local organization dedicated to helping control the overpopulation of cats and dogs here and in surrounding areas, announced it will be closing the doors of its office at Gamebird Road and Pahrump Valley Boulevard due to budget constraints.

The office will officially shut down Wednesday, April 30.

"We had hoped we could continue operations out of the Gamebird location indefinitely," Denise Scherer, president of SNAPS, said. "However, we can no longer afford to rent that space."

Although the demand for SNAPS's services is increasing, donations and community support are flagging.

SNAPS will now be operating from a Pahrump volunteer's house, although that address was not given. The nonprofit organization traps feral and stray animals and spays or neuters them at no cost to the community.

Another service offered by SNAPS includes providing low-cost "fixing" of pets for residents who can not afford a veterinarian visit.

"SNAPS has no intention of competing with local vets who provide spay and neuter service," the press release said. "Our mission is to make this service available to those residents who cannot afford neuter service. Those who can afford professional veterinary services are encouraged to use those services so we can continue to help those in need."

SNAPS services are provided by volunteer veterinarians.

Unfortunately, the group is also being forced to cut out its low-cost shot clinic since it no longer has a veterinarian willing to provide the service for free.

On the bright side, the food share program will continue, thanks to the generous support of local residents and businesses.

The program allows needy residents to get food for the cats and dogs.

Scherer characterized the cutbacks as "disappointing but not discouraging."

"We are still actively promoting the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats to eliminate the overpopulation problem in Pahrump and to prevent the needless extermination of these beautiful animals by the animal shelter which, sadly, does not have the funding to be a no-kill shelter," the press release stated.

SNAPS still needs plenty of help, so whether you're a veterinarian willing to offer services at reduced rates or a resident willing to give food, money, or even time, contact Scherer at 775-751-2088 or via e-mail at dcscher@hotmail.com.