ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) - Animals adopted from the Montgomery County Animal Shelter will now be spayed or neutered before getting new owners.

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The county humane society is announcing the program as a way to manage the animal population in the area.

Cats or kittens will be spayed or neutered for a flat fee of $70. The fee for a dog or puppy is $120.

Under the program, the adopter will fill out the required paperwork, the county will provide transport and surgery, and the adopter will pick up the pet from the veterinary clinic.

Police Capt. Michael Wahl, who heads the county's animal services division, says the new program is addressing a high-priority need for the county.