Sensitive Topics on Pet Ownership

Spaying & Neutering

The exploding animal population puts tremendous strain on citizens and animals.

The problem: Millions of puppies and kittens are born in the U.S. every year, most of them unwanted. For most unwanted animals good permanent homes are not available, instead, they end up in temporary shelters or loose on the streets. Homeless animals destroy property, spread disease, produce more animals and face short miserable lives.

The answer: Spaying or neutering your companion animal.

Euthanasia

Doing what is best for animals they love and the community they serve forces animal control personnel to make some hard decisions.

The problem: Animal shelters can usually offer only temporary shelter for the millions of unwanted animals. The cost to taxpayers for the housing of all unwanted animals on a permanent basis would be enormous. The alternative allowing animals to live in the wild or on the streets would inevitably lead to their destruction by starvation, disease and accidents.

The answer: Animal Control personnel are working tirelessly to bring the animal population under control and end the need for euthanasia. Unfortunately, until they succeed, euthanasia will remain a tragic necessity.

Common Myths & Misconceptions

Do any of these sound familiar?

• "I know I can find good homes for my pet's litter."
  That may be, but remember that the homes you find mean that many fewer homes are available to other animals waiting for adoption.
• "But spaying and neutering make pets fat and lazy."
  This is not true. You are responsible for seeing that your pet eats right and gets the proper amount of exercise.
• "I just do not think it is right to keep my pet from having a litter."
  Spaying and neutering does more than help solve the problem of animal overpopulation, it actually protects your pet from many health problems and helps him or her live longer and happier lives.
• "I happen to know that there are shelters that do not euthanize animals."
  There are such places, but they accept only animals they can house or place in homes. Most other shelters must accept all animals, including the sick, old and injured. These shelters have vast shortages of space and resources.
• "I want my children to see the miracle of birth."
  There is a good chance you will miss the delivery since animals often give birth in private. You may use books or films to teach children about the miracle of birth, without adding to the animal population.

What can you do to help? Support the efforts of your Animal Control Department.

Practical Responsible Pet Ownership

Steps to being a practical and responsible pet owner include:

• Have your pet spayed or neutered (Bonus: License fees are lower)
• Do not let your pet run free. Keep him or her on a leash.
• Report all cases of animal abuse or inhumane treatment.
• Have your pet vaccinated.
• Obey all other laws that affect you and your companion animal.

So when animals are under control everyone benefits! Support the work of your animal control department. Learn about the many services your animal control department has to offer. Practice responsible pet ownership including spaying and neutering.