State officials are offering funding to groups interested in running spay and neuter programs for pets.

Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black said the money is intended to make pet sterilization more affordable to ease the strain on Georgia's animal shelters.

Money for the program is raised through the sale of dog and cat license plates and through voluntary donations made by taxpayers. Black's department said since 2003, more than 70,000 procedures have been performed under the program.

Black said grant applications will be accepted from licensed animal shelters and nonprofit animal rescue groups. Recipients can receive up to $10,000. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 31.

Tags: grants, spay and neuter services, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Gary Black, spay, neuter