Millions of dogs and cats are euthanized in
shelters every year. This happens because
there are many more of them than families
who will open their hearts and homes to
a pet. Breeding companion animals, intentionally
or unintentionally, contributes
to this enormous pet overpopulation, and
if it continues unchecked, millions more
will die.
Many of these unwanted animals are the
result of unintentional breeding by wellmeaning
pet owners who don’t understand
the importance of spaying and neutering
their pets. There is no legitimate reason for
keeping a pet intact — even if the owner
intends to keep the pet indoors. It only
takes a second for an animal to escape the
owner’s view, possibly creating a litter of
babies who will eventually be euthanized.
Ensuring that your pet does not contribute
to the overpopulation crisis is the best way
to help decrease the number of euthanized
pets nationwide.
Spaying and neutering has many other
benefits. One is better health, including
a lowered risk of cancer. Spayed females
have a very low risk of breast cancer, and
absolutely no risk of ovarian and uterine
cancer. Neutered males have a lower risk
of prostate cancer. Spaying and neutering
also lengthens pets’ lifespan, by 1-3 years
for dogs and 3-5 years for cats.
Studies also show that altered pets tend
to be less aggressive — especially the males.
When male dogs reach adolescence, the
testosterone increase in their bodies spikes
higher than an adult male human’s! This
leads to such unwanted hormone-related behaviors
as staking out territory by urinating,
aggression toward other males, and roaming
in search of a mate. In addition to creating
litters of unwanted puppies, dogs who roam
free are more susceptible to contracting and
spreading contagious diseases.
Despite all evidence to the contrary,
some pet owners still believe they are doing
what’s best for their animals by keeping
them intact. Some believe the myth that
spaying and neutering makes pets lazy and
fat. In fact, the biggest contributors to pet
obesity are overeating and lack of exercise.
Some believe that spaying and neutering
causes negative personality changes. Actually,
intact animals devote much of their
time and attention to mating and breeding,
while spayed and neutered pets retain the
same energy level but direct it toward other
things, like family and playtime.
Every pet deserves a loving home. Some
are lucky enough to find one, while others
are fortunate to live in a shelter rather
than on the streets. Unfortunately, most
shelters rarely keep dogs and cats for long,
but euthanize them to create room for the
ever-growing pet population.
Please do whatever is within your means
to prevent shelter animals from being euthanized
—donate money, supplies, and time.
At the very least, spay or neuter your own
pet to make living in a shelter a possibility
for unwanted companion animals.
Brought to you by Angie Stewart of
The National Humane Education Society
