THE STATEN ISLAND COUNCIL FOR ANIMAL WELFARE IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION FOUNDED IN 1972 DEDICATED TO THE RESCUE, CARE AND PLACEMENT OF STRAY AND ABANDONED ANIMALS. THE COUNCIL IS ALSO COMMITTED TO FURTHERING THE PUBLIC'S EDUCATION ABOUT PROPER PET CARE, THE PROBLEMS OF PET OVERPOPULATION AND THE IMPORTANCE OF SPAYING AND NEUTERING. IN 1996 A LOW COST CERTIFICATE PROGRAM ("NEUTER NETWORK") WAS ESTABLISHED TO PROMOTE AFFORDABLE ALTERING FOR STATEN ISLAND RESIDENTS.