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Why Spay & Neuter: Pet Overpopulation Almost everyone loves puppies and kittens, but unfortunately some people lose interest once the little guys grow up. As a result, many animals are abandoned or brought to shelters, most of which are already over-crowded. Other animals are taken to shelters because their owners move, can no longer handle a pet's problem behavior, become ill or develop allergies, have a baby, or become financially unable to continue caring for their pets. Millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized annually. Being purebred, young, or cute does not guarantee a ticket out of the shelter. Stray animals rarely survive for long on their own. Most strays suffer and die from starvation, diseases, parasites, freezing or being hit by cars. Anyone who has seen an animal euthanized in a shelter for lack of a home knows the agonizing truth behind the pet-overpopulation problem. The fact is that sterilization increases an animal's chance for a permanent home. Many hormone-driven problem behaviors are improved or entirely eliminated. Most of the reasons that pets are given up stem from behavior problems such as house soiling, roaming (running away from home) or aggression towards other animals. Working with the animal is not an option for many people when it is so much easier easier to just get rid of it. And everyone wants to have a popular breed. So much so, that irresponsible breeding has become a huge and profitable industry. The unfortunate result has been over-breeding which has created "purebreds" that are anything but pure. They come from "puppy mills" and are sold for a good deal of money and profit in pet stores, newspapers, or over the internet. Regardless of the "papers" that the puppy comes with, there is absolutely no guarantee that it does not have genetic defects or will develop a serious illness in the near future. Due to the "factory" conditions under which they were kept, the likelihood is substantial. And if it is sick or not sold at the pet store, its destiny is - at best - questionable. Every puppy or kitten that is bought from a breeder or "taken in" from an accidental litter means that one less homeless cat or dog has a chance at a home. That is the cold hard truth. Please adopt from a shelter or a breed rescue group. And please don't add to the problem by allowing your dog or cat to reproduce. 
Did you know that one cat or dog who has puppies and kittens, and whose puppies or kittens in turn have puppies or kittens of their own, can be responsible for the birth of 50 to 200 kittens or puppies in one year?! The numbers are even greater with rabbits, who can produce up to 12 litters each year (that's one litter every 30 days!). FACT: One male running loose for just a few hours can impregnate many females, adding to the serious problem of unwanted puppies and kittens. PLEASE encourage spaying and neutering in your family and community. Thank you. |
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SNAP of San Diego |
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