Do The Right Thing -- Spay/Neuter!!

Every year approximately six million cats and dogs are killed in our nation. Although many of these animals are healthy and adoptable, their sheer number outweighs the availability of good, loving homes. Millions more never make it to shelters; they are abandoned and die from starvation, exposure and disease, or human inflicted cruelty. Consider the exponential reproductive rates of dogs and cats: In six years, one intact female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies. In six years, one intact cat and her offspring can produce 66,088 kittens.

The ability of dogs and cats to reproduce an exponential number of offspring creates the breeding reservoir from which future irresponsible pet owners, animal profiteers, and animal experimenters will retrieve the neglected and abused dogs and cats of tomorrow. And from this reservoir also comes the approximate six million dogs and cats who will be killed in our nations shelters. The need is clear. We need to stop the senseless killing of companion animals in our nation by becoming part of the humane solution: spaying and neutering.

Educating the public on the need to spay and neuter, along with low-cost spay and neuter programs, are the humane solution. Simply reducing the number of healthy companion animals killed each year is not enough. This ineffective response to companion animal overpopulation must be ended.

Altering your pet will give him/her a happier and healthier life.

Almost half of unspayed female dogs develop breast tumors, but virtually no tumors occur when spaying is done before their first heat cycle. Spaying also eliminates the possibility of developing uterine or ovarian cancer.

Neutering, the procedure used for male animals, eliminates most roaming associated with the search for a mate. This in turn reduces the risk of fights, injury, poisoning and traffic deaths. Neutered companions are more content and better behaved. Neutering also reduces the chance of prostate problems and testicular tumors.

Altered dogs and cats feel no need to reproduce and are more content when they are spayed or neutered. They experience less discomfort, distress and distraction and your pet will be a better family member. On the average, spayed and neutered pets live longer too.

Spaying/neutering is a relatively safe and painless operation. It is a one-time cost in the pets life, and a small cost compared to the benefits to your companion and yourself.

Spay Today and The National Humane Education Society support the concept and implementation of early-age spaying/neutering (at least eight weeks of age or two pounds in weight) in healthy, vaccinated kittens and puppies. However, it is never too late to spay or neuter your pet. Talk with your veterinarian. Even older animals benefit from these procedures.

Having the love of a companion animal is a privilege, not a right to be taken or granted. Be a responsible guardian; spay and neuter your pets.

Credit: nhes.org