Pet Overpopulation is an American Tragedy

The consequences of pet overpopulation are much too tragic to be simplified. The number of victims – unwanted homeless dogs and cats – is of such magnitude that it is time that society be made aware of the reality of this tragedy. The statistics tell the story.

Three to four million dogs and cats are killed in shelters across the United States every year. These staggering numbers don’t include the animals that die on our roads or from unreported animal abuse. Also not included are the animals that die after being sold to research laboratories from our shelters. During 1999, animal shelters in Ohio killed 196,831 dogs and cats. Only a small fraction of these animals are vicious because of owner mistreatment or illegal intentions.

Only a small fraction are terminally ill or too sick to be treated. The majority of these dogs and cats are healthy. Many can be treated and behavior problems eliminated. We are killing adoptable dogs and cats capable of giving and receiving love for many more years.

What is the Root Cause?

1. People acquire cats and dogs from sources that perpetuate overpopulation. They buy from breeders and pet stores. 5,000 puppy mills breed more than 1/2 million dogs in deplorable conditions, most of which are shipped to pet stores. By buying from these sources we perpetuate the market. 25% of the animals in shelters are purebred. When a pet is purchased, a shelter animal dies.

2. Many pet owners who fail to spay and neuter their animals. Whether by intent or neglect, these dogs and cats reproduce. For every litter born, that many will die in a shelter. Many of these people are hobby and professional breeders, others are backyard breeders wanting their children to see the miracle of birth. Perhaps these people need to visit the killing room of a shelter to watch the tragedy of death.

3. People treat pets as disposable commodities. People simply surrender or abandon their animals instead of taking responsibility for them for their lifetime. Every day people walk into shelters and surrender animals for reasons as frivolous as the animal not matching their furniture anymore or we’re going on vacation and can’t afford to board – we’ll just get another dog when we come home. The number one excuse is moving – the owner doesn’t consider the animal important enough to find animal friendly housing. More excuses include – behavior problems, not enough time, can’t afford, and allergies.

In summary, failure to spay and neuter is the major cause, but how we acquire our dogs and cats and how long we keep them is also a contributing cause. For every animal killed – be it a dog, cat, pig, rabbit, or bird – there is a human outside the walls of the shelter responsible.

Ohio SPCA’s Position

• Don’t Breed or Buy – Adopt

• Keep Your Pets Safe at Home

• Spay and Neuter

And remember – pets are living creatures, capable of fear, love, pain, loneliness, and joy. They should never be considered disposable property, for they should be considered members of the family. Every companion animal must be loved and protected.

Ohio SPCA believes that no person should be breeding while dogs and cats are dying every single day. To find out more about puppy mills, pet stores, and how you can stop pet overpopulation, visit the web sites below.

In Defense of Animals
What is a Puppy Mill?
Prisoners for Profit

Pet Overpopulation Statistics

Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

• Over 12 million dogs and cats are killed in shelters across the United States every year. When you have your pet spayed or neutered you will be helping to reduce the number of unwanted animals.
• Dogs and cats live longer because a number of health problems are reduced or eliminated. The possibility of testicular and ovarian or uterine cancers is eliminated. If your female pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle, the possibility of mammary cancer is greatly reduced.
• Pets behave better and are more affectionate with people and other animals.
• Spaying and neutering helps to eliminate unwanted behaviors such as the urge to roam, fight, bark, and howl.
• Neutered cats are less likely to spray or mark their territory.
• Licensing fees in some areas are cut by half or more.

Spaying and Neutering won’t:

• Endanger the well-being of your companion animal.
• Change your pet’s personality.
• Make your pet overweight or lazy.

Everyday thousands of adoptable dogs and cats are killed because forever homes cannot be found for them. Don’t contribute to this tragic loss of life.

Be Responsible, Spay and Neuter.

It stops the Killing.