AUGUSTA – Animal welfare activist and television star Loretta Switt, who played Maj. Margaret “Hotlips” Houlihan on the “M*A*S*H” television show, will appear in Augusta on Wednesday encouraging Maine to neuter more pets.

Switt will appear at a noon press conference with Speaker of the House Patrick Colwell, speaking in favor of his L.D. 1763, An Act to Promote Responsible Pet Ownership. The bill proposes a voluntary checkoff box on Maine’s income tax form. That would allow taxpayers to contribute to the costs of neutering pets for people who cannot afford the operation for their pets.

In addition to appearing at the press conference in the Hall of Flags, Switt will testify for the bill at the 1 p.m. public hearing before the legislative Taxation Committee.

– Bonnie Washuk