|
|
| |
Our community, along with others across the country is facing an overload of pet animals. Too many dogs and cats are not wanted anywhere. Treated like disposable items instead of living creatures, unwanted litters are left at doorsteps or along roadsides.
To avoid adding to this tragic overpopulation problem, we must all be aware
of the benefits of spay/neuter and pass that information on to others. Each
of us, as concerned citizens, anxious to stop the tragic cycle of birth and
euthanasia need to truly be part of the solution by helping to educate others
so they won't continue to be part of the problem. Since only one animal out
of an average litter finds a new lifelong home, we must all strive to rid our
communities of a situation that unfortunately can be referred to as "Pick one and kiss the rest good-by"!
|
|
|
| |
 |
 |
The number of kittens one female cat and her young can produce in 7 years is 420,000.
|
|
The number of puppies one female dog and her offspring can produce in 6 years is 67,000.
|
|
The average number of litters a female cat can produce in one year is 3 with the average number of kittens in each litter being 4-6.
|
|
The average number of litters a female dog can produce in one year is 2 with the average number of puppies in each litter being 6-10.
|
|
The number of cats and dogs entering shelters annually is 12 million and the number euthanized is close to 6 million.
|
|
In Lee County last year the number of animals euthanized was over 12,000.
|
|
For every human baby born, 15 puppies and 45 kittens are also born.
|
|
There are not enough homes for all of these animals.
|
|
| |
The benefits of neutering/spaying a pet are many: |
| |
|
Pets are more content, less aggressive, and more affectionate.
|
| |
|
Pets are healthier and less likely to develop certain cancers or be injured in fights with other animals.
|
| |
|
Pets are unlikely to spray urine or stain furniture or carpets after spaying or neutering.
|
| |
|
No one will have to find homes for unwanted puppies and kittens.
|
| |
|
It is less expensive to have a pet spayed or neutered than to care for litter after litter and find homes for them.
|
| |
Does early spay/neuter affect the look or health of the pet? |
| |
"Years of careful observation have shown that pets that were fixed very young have
lives that are as long and healthy as any other. Two considerations that have been
studies closely are the way that bones grow and the differences in body mass of
those animals that were fixed early on. There is very little difference between
early altering and later altering in these pets. Originally, there was some concern
about male cats experiencing potential urinary blockages. Now we know that male
cats have the same chances of urinary blockage with or without early fixing."
Is early spay/neuter risky or dangerous?: "Any surgery has inherent risks. We try to reduce risks to as close to zero as possible by knowing our procedure and diligently watching our patients. Young animals heal fast and are lower surgical risks than older animals who may be obese, in heat, pregnant, or ill. Moreover, young animals are more predictable and wake up faster after anesthesia. Perhaps we were all the strongest when we were babies."
|
| |
Citizens are encouraged to promote spaying and neutering through their veterinarian. For those in need of assistance, please consider one of the following alternatives:
|
| |
 |
Affordable Spay/Neuter of Lee County offers low cost surgery for the general public. Call them at (239) 652-0596.
|
| |
|
The Surgical Sterilization Assistance Program (S.S.A.P.) through the Humane Society of Lee County provides low cost spay and neuter surgery for people on public assistance. Call them at (239) 332-0364.
|
| |
|
The Lee County Voucher Program in conjunction with participating veterinarians offers discounts on spay/neuter surgery for dogs and cats licensed in Lee County. Please ask your veterinarian if they offer these vouchers.
|
| |
|
At times, the Animal Refuge Center receives grants specifically to help people with the cost of spay/neuter surgeries. Call the shelter at (239) 731-3535 to see if this help is currently available.
|
| |
|
* Source for figures is The Humane Society of the United States |
|
