“The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized.” Euthanizing occurs within our community as well. According to the Turlock Animal Shelter, “In 2010, 1,437 dogs were impounded, 32% were adopted or rescued, 21% were returned to their owners, and 30% were euthanized. 1,682 cats were impounded, 11% were adopted or rescued, 3% were returned to their owners, and 74% were euthanized.”
Why must this happen to such innocent animals? Euthanizing occurs when there is no more room in animal shelters or if an animal is not adopted. But most of all, overpopulation plays a big part. We may believe that this is not our fault; however, there is one simple procedure we can do to help stop overpopulation. Simply, spay or neuter your pets.
Although it seems like a painful surgery, animals recover from it after only three days or less (especially kittens). It provides an enormous benefit to you and your pet. In addition to preventing overpopulation, spaying before the first heat can especially prevent uterine infections and breast cancer. For males, it prevents testicular cancer.
For you, there is less of a chance for your male cat or dog to get lost. Males can smell a female in heat from as far as a mile away. Also, your pet will not be as aggressive or competitive, thus preventing fights with other animals.
Don’t forget about the spraying! Males who are not neutered spray on objects, including your furniture. Females yowl and urinate uncontrollably while in heat. It is a myth that spaying and neutering make your pet overweight or too mellow.
In addition, communities spend tax dollars on unwanted, neglected animals in order to catch and euthanize them. Stray animals have the potential of causing property damage, increased road kill, and even give one’s pet a disease from a fight. California now has a law that requires any pet to be fixed before adoption from a shelter, which costs even more money.
The cost of spaying or neutering, which ranges from fifty to seventy dollars, may seem costly at the moment; however, consider the cost of caring for up to six kittens or dogs until they are available for adoption. Even surrendering them to a shelter requires a fee. Do a favor for you and your pet by spaying and neutering.
Help improve your community, help your animals, and help save lives. Don’t wait until it’s too late; spay and neuter your pet today!
