Zander's Post

"I believe all our pets should be spayed or neutered."

For the past 3 years I’ve been volunteering at the humane society in my hometown. It began when my mother joined the board of directors and then won the position of president of the board. I’ve spent countless hours working with the organization to create videos and help with research for their newsletters and articles. I decided I would compile some of the information I’ve gathered into a short thesis.

It’s estimated that 4 to 6 million cats and dogs are euthanized every year in the United States. Every minute 7 cats or dogs are euthanized because of a lack of homes. There is one major reason for this: each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born while only 10,000 humans are born. That creates a large gap in the pets to humans ratio. All the animals without homes can end up becoming stray, feral, or stuck in a pound or animal shelter. Those that are unlucky enough to be placed in a typical “kill shelter,” the type that will euthanize an animal after a short period of time, will be euthanized if they are not adopted or claimed.

Spaying or neutering your pet has many benefits to the animal itself. Both males and females will have a longer, healthier life. Spay USA says, “altering your canine friend will increase his life an average of 1 to 3 years, felines, 3 to 5 years.” Males are less likely to get prostrate cancer and will not develop testicular cancer. In females, it eliminates the chance of uterine or ovarian cancer and reduces the possibility of breast cancer. Neutered animals are also less likely to roam free and fight with other animals. Spay USA also says, “Sterilizing your cat/dog makes him/her a better pet, reducing his/her urge to roam and decreasing the risk of contracting diseases or getting hurt as they roam. Surveys indicate that as many as 85% of dogs hit by cars are unaltered. Intact male cats living outside have been shown to live on average less than two years. Feline Immunodeficiency Syndrome is spread by bites and intact cats fight a great deal more than altered cats.”

Along with the benefits to your cat or dog, the pet owner will be rewarded. Spayed and neutered pets are more affectionate, loving friends. They also are less likely to spray and mark territory. Some may continue to spray or mark, however, the incredibly foul smell will be eliminated. Spaying females will eliminate their heat cycle. They will not attract unwanted male dogs, have nervous/shy behavior or cry excessively. Unaltered animals tend to be more hostile, they may act out, be more aggressive, and even bite. Neutered males are far less likely to stray away from home.

The surgical procedure to alter a cat or dog is relatively inexpensive, safe for the animal and will create a “better pet”. On a much larger scale it is the first and most powerful step in taming the overpopulation of cats and dogs in America today.