STOP THE SADNESS! Pet Over Population

It is that time of year again. Spring is rapidly approaching – and with it comes the births of hundreds of puppies and kittens. What will happen to them this year? Will they find a loving home? Or, will they end up a statistic – one of the millions of unwanted pets in this country. It is estimated that there are 7 puppies and kittens to every human born. There just are not enough loving homes. Lets do something different this year! Lets stop the births of these unwanted animals by spaying and neutering your pet. Lets stop the sadness.

The pet overpopulation problem is something each of us should do something about. In our lifetime there are many things we can not control – energy prices or the weather. But, the good news is that each of us can control whether or not our pet adds to the surplus animal problem. Each of us can play a role in stopping the senseless deaths of thousands of animals.

What is spaying or neutering? Basically, it is a surgical procedure that removes the reproductive organs from your pet. Early spay and neuter allows your veterinarian to perform the surgery on pets as young as 8 – 12 weeks of age. Younger animals recover more quickly than older patients. Early surgery also eliminates the health risks associated with the reproductive organs, such as prostate disease/cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine disease, and testicular cancer. Other benefits include decreased problems with aggression, spraying, roaming and fighting. An altered pet is simply a better pet. They are more tuned into you, and give you 100% of their attention and love.

As you can see, spaying and neutering is good for your pet and it is good for you, but, it is also good for our community. Each year we spend thousands of dollars to control unwanted animals. Irresponsible breeding leads to increased problems with dog bites and attacks; they become a public nuisance and frighten or anger people. It also leads to the stress that caring shelter workers suffer when they are forced to euthanize one animal after another.

The acceptance of cruelty to animals has become a way of life in our society. Cruelty doesn't always mean physical abuse. Cruelty can mean being left outside on a chain in the rain or heat without human contact. Cruelty can mean being left to fend for themselves on the streets for food or shelter, or being left in the backyard and never petted or played with. It can mean having litter after litter of puppies or kittens. Animals have become victims of our throwaway society. Cuddled and loved when they are cute and small, and abandoned when they become adults – inconvenient or ill behaved.

Responsible pet ownership means making an investment in your pet – making sure your pet is altered, providing adequate food and water, proper veterinary care, and training to make sure you pet grows into a good citizen. Obey the leash and licensing laws in our community and giving all the love, companionship, exercise and attention your pet needs. You have the choice, your pet does not. Lets do something different this year!