One of the primary problems facing dogs and cats is their physiological capacity to reproduce an exponential number of unwanted offspring.

Exponential reproduction causes a breeding reservoir of abandoned, neglected and abused animals.  From this reservoir streams the estimated 6 million unwanted dogs and cats that die each year in our nation’s shelters.

The need is unequivocally clear: we need to stop the senseless killing of companion animals in the U.S. by becoming part of the humane solution spaying and neutering.

Spaying and neutering are safe, simple surgeries that stop animals from breeding.  These painless surgeries are performed under anesthesia and the operations can actually prevent health problems later on.

Sadly, many myths still manage to influence the public when it comes to neutering and spaying. The truth is, these surgeries often eliminate undesirable behaviors such as fighting, spraying and roaming and, an animal that has been spayed or neutered does not become less protective of their guardians.

There are over 30 million puppies and kittens born in the United States each year.  At the very best, only ONE out of every ten animals born in the U.S. annually finds a permanent, loving home.  Death will come to the rest of these innocent creatures through human cruelty, disease, starvation, poisoning, accidents, or overcrowded animal shelters forced to kill.

Here are some additional staggering figures to contemplate when thinking about unwanted pets in America:

• Each year, millions of cats and dogs are cruelly abandoned by owners
• 50% of feral kittens do not survive
• Nearly 55% of dogs and nearly 70% of cats entering U.S. shelters are killed
• 5 million pets annually are separated from their human families—most end up in shelters and only about 4% of the cats and 14% of the dogs are ever reunited with the families
• 5 to 10 million stray dogs and cats live on U.S. streets
• 1.5 to 2 million pets are stolen or taken from families each year in the U.S. ONLY 10% are reunited with their families—the rest end up in research labs, dogfighting rings, puppy mills or other abusive and cruel situations

Each of us must work to stop the heartbreaking cycle of unwanted pets.  Legislators at all levels must be made aware of the importance of mandatory spay/neuter laws.  Euthanasia is not an acceptable method of controlling overpopulation.  We must do better.

Sources: American Humane Association, In Defense of Animals