SPAY/NEUTER INFORMATION

 

How Bad is the Pet Overpopulation Problem?

Every year, between 8 and 12 million animals end up at shelters around the country.  These animals come from many places.  Some are surrendered by their owners who can no longer keep them.  Others are lost, abandoned, or simply unwanted.  Due to irresponsible breeding, millions of unwanted puppies and kittens are taken to shelters each year.  As unbelievable as it may seem, about 4-6 million animals are euthanized ever year because there just aren't enough homes or enough space to house them properly.  In Lowndes County alone, almost 6,000 animals are euthanized each year.  The pet overpopulation problem is not just bad, it is OVERWHELMING!

Consider These Facts:

• In 6 short years, one female dog and her offspring can be the source of 67,000 puppies. 
• In just 7 years, one female cat and her young can produce 420,000 kittens.
• There is theoretically no limit to the number of offspring male dogs and cats can produce.

Did You Know?

Pet stores across the country get most of their puppies from puppy mills.  Puppy mills are horrible breeding facilities that promote suffering, neglect, cruelty, sickness, and death to millions of animals.  Puppy mills, pet stores, and irresponsible breeding are the reasons for the pet overpopulation problem.

To learn more about puppy mills, visit Hearts United for Animals at hua.org.  To see a video about puppy mills, go to http://www.prisonersofgreed.org/. 

How Can You Help Put an End to the Pet Overpopulation Problem?

Spaying and neutering is the only effective solution to pet overpopulation.  YOU can be a part of the solution by:

• Spaying and neutering your own pets, including strays, and encouraging others to do the same.
• Not purchasing a pet from a pet store or irresponsible breeder.
• Adopting your next pet from a Humane Society, Animal Shelter, or Animal Rescue Organization.