Spay Day – February 24, 2009

Each year, 4,000,000 cats and dogs are put down in US shelters, which is about one every eight seconds!

The current overpopulation of both mixed breed and pure breed animals leads to many of them being put to sleep because of lack of shelter space and adopters. You can help reduce this number by spaying and neutering your pet!

Help break down the myths about spaying and neutering, and spread the word that doing so can help your pet lead a longer and healthier life!  During the month of February, the Humane Society of the United States has been advocating for spaying and neutering your animals, come join their Spay Day campaign and spread the word to others about the benefits of fixing your pets.

What are some of the benefits to Spaying/Neutering?

  1. Your pet (whether it’s a dog, cat, bunny, etc) will live longer and healthier lives.
  2. Healthier lives means less vet bills!!
  3. It can reduce the risk of cancers associated with the reproductive parts.
  4. If your pet is female, no heat cycles and no male/stray animals bothering you or your pet.
  5. Less of a desire to roam, which protects your pet from running away, getting hurt, or getting lost!
  6. Reduces a male pets urge to mark and spray.
  7. Decreases aggressive behavior (however this DOES NOT reduce a dog’s instinct to guard or protect their family, this is a common myth)
  8. It REDUCES companion animal overpopulation and therefore the number of animals euthanized each year!
  9. It REDUCES strays out in the community and therefore the damage they may cause to the community.
  10. The capture, impoundment and eventual destruction of unwanted animals costs taxpayers and private humanitarian agencies over a billion dollars each year. As a potential source of rabies and other less serious diseases, they can be a public health hazard. – The American Veterinary Medical Association

(this information was obtained through www.spayusa.org)

By the time it took you to finish reading this message about 7 animals were put to sleep. Help support spaying and neutering of companion animals!

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