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BARBOURSVILLE -- One local volunteer-based animal welfare effort reached a major milestone Thursday as Help for Animals celebrated its 100,000th spay-neuter since the group began in 1973.

The event was marked with a small celebration at the Help for Animals Clinic in Barboursville near the Huntington Mall in which the owner of the spayed or neutered pet received free goods and services from the organization.

Jim Spencer, president of the organization, saluted the many community leaders and volunteers who have helped develop the effort.

"We were able to open our clinic 15 years ago, and that allows us to expand our mission well beyond the immediate area," Spencer said. "It took us nearly 30 years to achieve our first 25,000 spay-neuters. We've reached 100,000 in less than the past decade."

National Video

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Madhukar Kolli, from left, Connie Francisco, Vanessa Moser, Kelly Pinkston and Jim Spence participate in a milestone celebration for Help for Animals, a volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare effort, after the clinic performed its 100,000th low cost spay-neuter on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, in Barboursville.

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Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Help for Animals, a volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare effort, celebrates a milestone after performing the clinic's 100,000th low cost spay-neuter on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, in Barboursville.

Purchase this photo

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Help for Animals, a volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare effort, celebrates a milestone after performing the clinic's 100,000th low cost spay-neuter on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, in Barboursville.

Purchase this photo

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Connie Francisco holds Precious as Help for Animals, a volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare effort, celebrates a milestone after Precious received the clinic's 100,000th low cost spay-neuter on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, in Barboursville.

Purchase this photo

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Connie Francisco holds Precious as Help for Animals, a volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare effort, celebrates a milestone after Precious received the clinic's 100,000th low cost spay-neuter on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, in Barboursville.

Purchase this photo

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Vanessa Moser, clinic manager for Help for Animals, holds a dog as the clinic celebrates a milestone after performing its 100,000th low cost spay-neuter on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, in Barboursville.

Purchase this photo

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Help for Animals, a volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare effort, celebrates a milestone after performing the clinic's 100,000th low cost spay-neuter on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, in Barboursville.

Purchase this photo

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Help for Animals, a volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare effort, celebrates a milestone after performing the clinic's 100,000th low cost spay-neuter on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, in Barboursville.

Purchase this photo

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Help for Animals, a volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare effort, celebrates a milestone after performing the clinic's 100,000th low cost spay-neuter on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, in Barboursville.

Purchase this photo

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Help for Animals, a volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare effort, celebrates a milestone after performing the clinic's 100,000th low cost spay-neuter on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, in Barboursville.

Purchase this photo

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Help for Animals, a volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare effort, celebrates a milestone after performing the clinic's 100,000th low cost spay-neuter on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, in Barboursville.

Purchase this photo

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Help for Animals, a volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare effort, celebrates a milestone after performing the clinic's 100,000th low cost spay-neuter on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, in Barboursville.

Purchase this photo