February is considered the month of love. People think of Valentine's Day and their sweetheart. February is also known among those in the animal rescue world as Spay/Neuter Awareness Month. As we anticipate spring within the next few months, and numerous amount of “littering” that exists – in the sweet form of puppies and kittens – animal welfare groups throughout the world are reminding people to prevent litters and spay/neuter your critters!
Pet Overpopulation
Puppies and kittens are adorable, but
happens to all of these little ones, and the ones yet to be born
later in the year? Sadly, most lose their lives. Throughout the
country, nearly four million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are
euthanized because there are not enough homes for them all. Pet
overpopulation is a major problem in the United States and around the
world. Therefore, animal groups take the month of February, and
particularly the last Tuesday of the month, to remind people of this
terribly sad world-wide problem. This year's recognition, known was
World
Spay Day, takes place Tuesday, February 26, 2013.
1+1 Equals Hundreds
One of the answers lies in spaying and
neutering pets. This simple operation can “litterally” save the
lives of millions of companion animals. Animal
welfare experts estimate that one unspayed female and one
unneutered male dog contribute to 512 additional dogs within 3 years
and that one unspayed female and one unneutered male cat produce 382
more cats to the already high pet population.
Myths About Spaying and Neutering
Many myths exist about spaying and
neutering, and most are just that: myths. If you have concerns about
the surgery and its affect upon your pet, discuss these with your
vet. No one is more knowledgeable about surgical procedures and the
pros and cons than your veterinarian.
Here are some facts about pets that
are spayed or neutered:
- They tend to be better behaved.
- They tend to be more affectionate.
- Spayed females don’t attract unwanted, aggressive males nor do they exhibit the nervous behaviors from hormonal changes and cry piteously waiting for a mate.
- Neutered males are less likely to mark territory (such as your couch!) and they are less likely to roam.
Cesar Milan, the nationally-recognized and respected “Dog Whisperer”, debunks many spay and neuter myths on his website:http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/basics/spay-and-neuter-myths.
To learn more about spaying and neutering reasoning, myths and facts,
visit
Be the Solution, Not the Problem
Lack of homes and pet overpopulation
is a serious national, regional, state and community problem –so
let’s fix the problem by fixing our pets! Animal shelters and
rescue organizations are bombarded with animals; why be part of the
problem when you can be part of the solution? So, please don't
litter, spay or neuter your critter!
