Why You Should Spay and Neuter Your Pets

Over 5,000 animals are brought into the Humane Society of Elmore County alone each year because of domesticated pet overpopulation!  Of these only thirty to forty percent are adopted.  And the same is true all over the United States.

Every day in the U.S. thousands upon thousands of puppies and kittens are born because of uncontrolled breeding of pets.  Add to that the number of offspring of stray and abandoned animals, and the total becomes even more staggering.  Every year MILLIONS of animals enter U.S. shelters; at least half of them are euthanized because there are no homes for them. On a larger scale, over 5,500 puppies and kittens are born every hour in America.  This is compared to only 415 people born every hour in America. There are simply not enough homes!  We must act responsibly and help control this overpopulation ‹ spaying and neutering is the Answer!

Some people refuse to spay or neuter their pet because they think it would be nice for their pet to have puppies or kittens. Each responsible home that is found for these means one less home is available for the many shelter animals waiting to be adopted. Each day animal shelters are forced to destroy thousands of dogs and cats due to a lack of responsible homes.  Please, do your part and spay and neuter your pets!  Spaying and neutering can drastically improve your pet¹s health and life expectancy.  The idea that pets become fat or lazy when they are spayed or neutered is a myth.  Sterilized pets lead healthier, longer lives.  Spaying a female eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer and greatly eliminates the risk of breast cancer, not to mention the mess and stress associated with a pet in heat!  Females in heat can also attract potentially dangerous males who often climb into ³secure² fences!  Neutering a male reduces the risk of both prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.  Neutering will also make your pet more affectionate and less likely to want to roam, get in fights, or become lost.

Click for larger view.

EVERY litter makes a difference!  

Sterilization  Reduces:

• Number of stray dogs and cats
• Number of dogs and cats killed in shelters and pounds
• City / County tax burden for animal control
• Destruction to property and livestock
• Injuries to people and other animals, car accidents
• Health risks and the spread of diseases like rabies
• Wildlife and habitat destruction

• Health risks to pets who are sterilized.