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Every day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in this country while only 10,000 people are born. It's simple
math - there just aren’t enough homes for all of these animals.
Every year over 6 million animals are euthanized in shelters for lack of available homes. If the number were
"only" 7 million, that would mean 135,000 PER WEEK, or 20,000 pets euthanized EVERY 24 HOURS. 365 DAYS
A YEAR!
An animal is euthanized in the U.S. every 2 seconds.
On average, 64% of all animals taken into shelters nationwide have to be euthanized.
The animals at animal control shelters are not "problem" animals. The animals available for adoption have
been picked up as strays, abandoned by their owners or taken from the owner for abuse, or neglect. They
are truly in need of a loving home and are greatly appreciative for a second chance at life.
At least 50% of the overpopulation problem is non-neutered males. Females can't do it alone.
Purebreds account for 30% off all the animals in shelters. "Papers" don't mean an animal should be bred.
For every home you find for an animal that you have bred, a home is lost for a shelter animal.
Breeding so your kids can "see the miracle of birth" demands that you also "see the tragic results". Visit a
shelter and watch a puppy being euthanized for every puppy your "miracle of birth" delivered.
Animal overpopulation has reached a crisis point in this country.
You personally can make a difference by spaying or neutering YOUR pet.
It is the single most important thing you can do to prevent animal cruelty!
Each day 10,000 humans are born in the U.S. - and each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. This means
there are 7 puppies and kittens born for every human baby -- EVERY DAY! As long as these birth rates
exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals. As a result, every year 4 to 6 million animals are
euthanized because there are no homes for them.
Most people are surprised to learn that we have a very large pet overpopulation problem here in the
United States. There are so many animals born DAILY that it boggles the mind! This is a nightmare problem
that doesn’t ever seem to get better.
The Humane Society of the United States estimates that there are over 70,000 puppies and kittens born
every twenty-four hours. That is a whole lot of babies! To even attempt to place those numbers of animals
is impossible. There are about seven animals to every human born. The sad fact is that it is not possible to
place them all.
Every year over 20 million animals end up in a shelter. Over 15 million of them are killed (euthanized is the
nice term). Of those animals 61% of the dogs and 75% of the cats are killed. Very few of these are claimed
and there are many more homeless animals that die from disease, starvation, animal attacks and cars!
Anyone who sees these facts must agree that not neutering an animal is contributing to mass cruelty and
irresponsibility!
Spaying & Neutering is Healthier
Did you know that dogs are healthier when they are spayed or neutered? There are some diseases that
happen less often in animals that have been spayed or neutered. That's a good reason to give your dog the
operation, isn't it? It's a very responsible thing to do.
Spaying will reduce the risk of breast cancer. Almost 50% of unsprayed dogs develop breast tumors.
Benefits to your pet after neutering mean that females have less chance of ovarian cancer or uterine
infections if it is done before their first "heat". Each cycle they experience increases the chances of illness
greatly, as much as ten times each! Spaying early almost eliminates this risk. Uterine disease is no longer a
problem after spaying. Pyometra, (an infection that can be fatal) and uterine cancer are no longer a risk.
Ovarian cysts that can be sometimes very painful are no longer even a consideration after spaying.
Neutering significantly lowers the risk of prostate gland and testicular cancer in male dogs. Almost 60% of
intact males suffer from prostate cancer, why not make the odds a little better? Neutering eliminates the
risk of testicular tumors as well. Males who are neutered have less of a desire to roam, fight, mark and be
destructive.
Another benefit is that you will not have to clean up the mess which happens during each heat cycle!
Behavioral wise, your pooch or feline will be calmer and more reliable. You also won’t have male strays
staying at your house trying to get to your female. And you will not have to deal with your dog trying to get
out to get to the opposite sex by fence climbing, dirt digging, or any other way they can use to get out. This
is their instinct, you can't stop it. With cats, it's prowling, spraying and fighting! From a behavioral
standpoint, neutered animals are more reliable, stable and have about sixty percent (60%) less problems
than those left "intact."
It takes only one escape to find a female and become a villain of pet overpopulation. One cat and her
kittens will produce over 420,000 cats in about seven years!
Spaying and neutering also prolongs a pets life. Almost by twice the life span in cats, and a significant
number of years for dogs.
A spayed or neutered pet is more likely to wander less, and runs less risk of being hit by a car, or being
attacked by wildlife.
Spaying & Neutering Myths
Most of these myths have been passed along for years and years without any basis in fact. People still
believe false statements like: "It will calm her down to have a litter" and "He needs to sow his oats," or "It
will make her/him more protective." These are all inaccurate viewpoints and flat nonsense; and you have
probably heard them all! Let’s look at a few more.
"My dog is a purebred so it's ok if I breed" The fact is that 25-30% of all animals found in a shelter are AKC
or UKC purebreds. Know what that means? NOT MUCH! Those letters just mean they belong to a club and
are registered to it. There is no guarantee of quality. In fact, most times those animals have some serious
medical and behavioral problems. There are very few really good, responsible breeders. When breeders
are good, they are REALLY good and screen potential owners very closely. They also are careful about the
animals they sell, their health and often pay for their training, neutering, or will take them back if they do not
work out in the home. At any given time, we usually have a few sets of AKC papers lying on our desk that
accompanied the dogs when they were dumped at a shelter or surrendered to rescue. If you are a breeder
and you think that your pure bred, champion bloodline dogs never end up in shelter, then you are
grievously misguided.
"My pet is a male; I won’t have any litters" These animals are a very big part of the pet overpopulation
problem since they escape and breed with females in heat. They roam more, are more aggressive and sire
hoards of litters for someone else to raise.
"It cost too much" It will cost you a lot more to care for the puppies created by the dog! If you have a litter
and take proper care of it your cost factors are much more than this procedure would ever be. It will also
cost less than the vet bills incurred from your male running after the female in heat up the road, and getting
injured by a car. There are programs for assistance for those who cannot afford to get the procedure done.
Note: Each stray animal costs taxpayers about $100 each to catch, feed, and destroy.
"My children should see the miracle of birth" School programming, virtual computers or films can convey
the same information in a more caring way. Visiting the local zoo or science center are other options too.
Children can experience the birthing process other ways and enjoy it more. Almost all mothers hide when
they give birth to their puppies or kittens. So they won't actually see it, and when something goes wrong,
will you have the monetary resources to pay for the emergency vet visit and treatment to save the mother
and puppies lives? And what about all the hassles you will have to deal with through the process; the
birth, raising all those babies, and the veterinary bills, finding "good" homes for the puppies, etc.
"She needs to have at least one litter" Does a woman need to have at least one child? Having a litter does
not in any way improve or change a pet's disposition. It will however drain her body of nutrients, make her
thin, and can weaken her bones, and teeth.
"Spaying & neutering is painful for the pet." How painful is giving birth? Have you ever watched a female
die giving birth? I have. Have you ever spent days trying to save dying puppies? I have. Besides, surgery
is performed under anesthesia and animals are usually back on their feet into normal activities within 24 to
72 hours. This slight discomfort is not harmful and prevents the suffering and death of hundreds of
unwanted animals that could be born if you do not spay or neuter your pet.
"If I neuter him, he won't be as protective." Instinct is not affected by hormones. In fact, most pets will
actually be more effective at protection since they will have stabilized hormones. They are usually easier to
train. Altered animals are protective and loyal to their owners and often will have reduced desires to
wander, mark territory and fight with other animals.
"They'll get fat and lazy". Not so. They need exercise just like they always did, but spaying them actually
changes nothing as far as weight gain.
"A litter will calm my animal and having a litter will be better for her"
Veterinary medical evidence says otherwise. This is just not true.
"Only females need to be fixed, it's not my responsibility" As we all know it takes two to tango. Would you
feel that way if it were your daughter? The female may end up with the litter, but it's just as much his doing
as hers. In the media we hear all about family values, this applies to responsibility for all life, not just
humans. Not to mention if he impregnates the "wrong" female, her owner has grounds to sue.
"My pet is special" Every animal is special. Most will never be duplicated. Think of all those special animals
that are euthanized daily. Adoptees are very special animals too. Let's face it, most of our pets are nothing
special as far as society is concerned. They are special to us because they are lucky enough to have
owners who love and adore them. You can love and adore a rescue animal as well. And if your "special"
dog has a litter, are you going to keep them all? Why pick just one....they are all the offspring of your
"special" dog, how can you pick just one? Surely, one can see the folly in this way of thinking.
"I paid good money for my dog, so I need to get my money back" Most people do not realize the cost and
responsibility involved in having a litter of puppies. Reputable breeders are not in it for "the money". They
know there is usually no money, except "maybe" when you have a Champion dog. They breed for the love
of the breed. To enhance the breed. They go to considerable expense making sure they have dogs who
are free of physical and genetic defects that can be passed along to the offspring. And after investing all
this expense into their breeding animal, they only breed the females a few times before they are "retired".
They don't breed their dogs over and over for years. If you purchased your breeding dog from a "back
yard" breeder, "hobby breeder" or a pet store, and paid the "average" price for it, you will most certainly
not "enhance" the breed and will most likely lose money on vet bills. Plus, you will be adding to the
epidemic pet over-population problem.
If this section still has not convinced you to spay/neuter your animal,
go visit a shelter. I challenge you to spend some time there. Ask
when they euthanize animals & go witness how the animals cringe,
defecate in fear, and act when they are taken out to be killed. Look
them in the eyes and explain why you do not want to neuter your pet
or why you want to breed your dogs so you can make money.
math - there just aren’t enough homes for all of these animals.
Every year over 6 million animals are euthanized in shelters for lack of available homes. If the number were
"only" 7 million, that would mean 135,000 PER WEEK, or 20,000 pets euthanized EVERY 24 HOURS. 365 DAYS
A YEAR!
An animal is euthanized in the U.S. every 2 seconds.
On average, 64% of all animals taken into shelters nationwide have to be euthanized.
The animals at animal control shelters are not "problem" animals. The animals available for adoption have
been picked up as strays, abandoned by their owners or taken from the owner for abuse, or neglect. They
are truly in need of a loving home and are greatly appreciative for a second chance at life.
At least 50% of the overpopulation problem is non-neutered males. Females can't do it alone.
Purebreds account for 30% off all the animals in shelters. "Papers" don't mean an animal should be bred.
For every home you find for an animal that you have bred, a home is lost for a shelter animal.
Breeding so your kids can "see the miracle of birth" demands that you also "see the tragic results". Visit a
shelter and watch a puppy being euthanized for every puppy your "miracle of birth" delivered.
Animal overpopulation has reached a crisis point in this country.
You personally can make a difference by spaying or neutering YOUR pet.
It is the single most important thing you can do to prevent animal cruelty!
Each day 10,000 humans are born in the U.S. - and each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. This means
there are 7 puppies and kittens born for every human baby -- EVERY DAY! As long as these birth rates
exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals. As a result, every year 4 to 6 million animals are
euthanized because there are no homes for them.
Most people are surprised to learn that we have a very large pet overpopulation problem here in the
United States. There are so many animals born DAILY that it boggles the mind! This is a nightmare problem
that doesn’t ever seem to get better.
The Humane Society of the United States estimates that there are over 70,000 puppies and kittens born
every twenty-four hours. That is a whole lot of babies! To even attempt to place those numbers of animals
is impossible. There are about seven animals to every human born. The sad fact is that it is not possible to
place them all.
Every year over 20 million animals end up in a shelter. Over 15 million of them are killed (euthanized is the
nice term). Of those animals 61% of the dogs and 75% of the cats are killed. Very few of these are claimed
and there are many more homeless animals that die from disease, starvation, animal attacks and cars!
Anyone who sees these facts must agree that not neutering an animal is contributing to mass cruelty and
irresponsibility!
Spaying & Neutering is Healthier
Did you know that dogs are healthier when they are spayed or neutered? There are some diseases that
happen less often in animals that have been spayed or neutered. That's a good reason to give your dog the
operation, isn't it? It's a very responsible thing to do.
Spaying will reduce the risk of breast cancer. Almost 50% of unsprayed dogs develop breast tumors.
Benefits to your pet after neutering mean that females have less chance of ovarian cancer or uterine
infections if it is done before their first "heat". Each cycle they experience increases the chances of illness
greatly, as much as ten times each! Spaying early almost eliminates this risk. Uterine disease is no longer a
problem after spaying. Pyometra, (an infection that can be fatal) and uterine cancer are no longer a risk.
Ovarian cysts that can be sometimes very painful are no longer even a consideration after spaying.
Neutering significantly lowers the risk of prostate gland and testicular cancer in male dogs. Almost 60% of
intact males suffer from prostate cancer, why not make the odds a little better? Neutering eliminates the
risk of testicular tumors as well. Males who are neutered have less of a desire to roam, fight, mark and be
destructive.
Another benefit is that you will not have to clean up the mess which happens during each heat cycle!
Behavioral wise, your pooch or feline will be calmer and more reliable. You also won’t have male strays
staying at your house trying to get to your female. And you will not have to deal with your dog trying to get
out to get to the opposite sex by fence climbing, dirt digging, or any other way they can use to get out. This
is their instinct, you can't stop it. With cats, it's prowling, spraying and fighting! From a behavioral
standpoint, neutered animals are more reliable, stable and have about sixty percent (60%) less problems
than those left "intact."
It takes only one escape to find a female and become a villain of pet overpopulation. One cat and her
kittens will produce over 420,000 cats in about seven years!
Spaying and neutering also prolongs a pets life. Almost by twice the life span in cats, and a significant
number of years for dogs.
A spayed or neutered pet is more likely to wander less, and runs less risk of being hit by a car, or being
attacked by wildlife.
Spaying & Neutering Myths
Most of these myths have been passed along for years and years without any basis in fact. People still
believe false statements like: "It will calm her down to have a litter" and "He needs to sow his oats," or "It
will make her/him more protective." These are all inaccurate viewpoints and flat nonsense; and you have
probably heard them all! Let’s look at a few more.
"My dog is a purebred so it's ok if I breed" The fact is that 25-30% of all animals found in a shelter are AKC
or UKC purebreds. Know what that means? NOT MUCH! Those letters just mean they belong to a club and
are registered to it. There is no guarantee of quality. In fact, most times those animals have some serious
medical and behavioral problems. There are very few really good, responsible breeders. When breeders
are good, they are REALLY good and screen potential owners very closely. They also are careful about the
animals they sell, their health and often pay for their training, neutering, or will take them back if they do not
work out in the home. At any given time, we usually have a few sets of AKC papers lying on our desk that
accompanied the dogs when they were dumped at a shelter or surrendered to rescue. If you are a breeder
and you think that your pure bred, champion bloodline dogs never end up in shelter, then you are
grievously misguided.
"My pet is a male; I won’t have any litters" These animals are a very big part of the pet overpopulation
problem since they escape and breed with females in heat. They roam more, are more aggressive and sire
hoards of litters for someone else to raise.
"It cost too much" It will cost you a lot more to care for the puppies created by the dog! If you have a litter
and take proper care of it your cost factors are much more than this procedure would ever be. It will also
cost less than the vet bills incurred from your male running after the female in heat up the road, and getting
injured by a car. There are programs for assistance for those who cannot afford to get the procedure done.
Note: Each stray animal costs taxpayers about $100 each to catch, feed, and destroy.
"My children should see the miracle of birth" School programming, virtual computers or films can convey
the same information in a more caring way. Visiting the local zoo or science center are other options too.
Children can experience the birthing process other ways and enjoy it more. Almost all mothers hide when
they give birth to their puppies or kittens. So they won't actually see it, and when something goes wrong,
will you have the monetary resources to pay for the emergency vet visit and treatment to save the mother
and puppies lives? And what about all the hassles you will have to deal with through the process; the
birth, raising all those babies, and the veterinary bills, finding "good" homes for the puppies, etc.
"She needs to have at least one litter" Does a woman need to have at least one child? Having a litter does
not in any way improve or change a pet's disposition. It will however drain her body of nutrients, make her
thin, and can weaken her bones, and teeth.
"Spaying & neutering is painful for the pet." How painful is giving birth? Have you ever watched a female
die giving birth? I have. Have you ever spent days trying to save dying puppies? I have. Besides, surgery
is performed under anesthesia and animals are usually back on their feet into normal activities within 24 to
72 hours. This slight discomfort is not harmful and prevents the suffering and death of hundreds of
unwanted animals that could be born if you do not spay or neuter your pet.
"If I neuter him, he won't be as protective." Instinct is not affected by hormones. In fact, most pets will
actually be more effective at protection since they will have stabilized hormones. They are usually easier to
train. Altered animals are protective and loyal to their owners and often will have reduced desires to
wander, mark territory and fight with other animals.
"They'll get fat and lazy". Not so. They need exercise just like they always did, but spaying them actually
changes nothing as far as weight gain.
"A litter will calm my animal and having a litter will be better for her"
Veterinary medical evidence says otherwise. This is just not true.
"Only females need to be fixed, it's not my responsibility" As we all know it takes two to tango. Would you
feel that way if it were your daughter? The female may end up with the litter, but it's just as much his doing
as hers. In the media we hear all about family values, this applies to responsibility for all life, not just
humans. Not to mention if he impregnates the "wrong" female, her owner has grounds to sue.
"My pet is special" Every animal is special. Most will never be duplicated. Think of all those special animals
that are euthanized daily. Adoptees are very special animals too. Let's face it, most of our pets are nothing
special as far as society is concerned. They are special to us because they are lucky enough to have
owners who love and adore them. You can love and adore a rescue animal as well. And if your "special"
dog has a litter, are you going to keep them all? Why pick just one....they are all the offspring of your
"special" dog, how can you pick just one? Surely, one can see the folly in this way of thinking.
"I paid good money for my dog, so I need to get my money back" Most people do not realize the cost and
responsibility involved in having a litter of puppies. Reputable breeders are not in it for "the money". They
know there is usually no money, except "maybe" when you have a Champion dog. They breed for the love
of the breed. To enhance the breed. They go to considerable expense making sure they have dogs who
are free of physical and genetic defects that can be passed along to the offspring. And after investing all
this expense into their breeding animal, they only breed the females a few times before they are "retired".
They don't breed their dogs over and over for years. If you purchased your breeding dog from a "back
yard" breeder, "hobby breeder" or a pet store, and paid the "average" price for it, you will most certainly
not "enhance" the breed and will most likely lose money on vet bills. Plus, you will be adding to the
epidemic pet over-population problem.
If this section still has not convinced you to spay/neuter your animal,
go visit a shelter. I challenge you to spend some time there. Ask
when they euthanize animals & go witness how the animals cringe,
defecate in fear, and act when they are taken out to be killed. Look
them in the eyes and explain why you do not want to neuter your pet
or why you want to breed your dogs so you can make money.
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