SPAY AND NEUTER MYTHS AND FACTS

Anyone that knows me, or has come within 20 yards of me, will have
heard my very strong opinion on the importance of spaying or neutering
your family pet. If you believe the myth that having just one litter “so that
your child can experience the miracle of birth”, you should first watch the
heartbreak of euthanasia due to overpopulation. Thousands of unwanted,
homeless and stray puppies and kittens are born in the US yearly. Those who
do not find homes are taken to already overcrowded shelters. Some are
dumped and left to wander, becoming prey to wildlife or automobiles. Some
just starve to death. Not a pretty picture!
Some think that altering your family pet is too expensive, but it is a
small price to pay compared to caring for a pregnant female properly,
possible birth complications, and the time and money spent on finding
homes for her offspring. Price shopping at all local vet clinics for the lowest
prices is certainly an option. Spay and neuter vouchers/certificates are
usually available by calling animal rescues or shelters.
The old excuse that my dog is a purebred just doesn’t fly. Statistics
show that ¼ of all shelter dogs are purebred. Spaying and neutering not only
reduces the number of accidental pregnancies and unwanted puppies and
kittens, it also has health and behavioral benefits. It protects female dogs
against breast cancer, especially if they are spayed before their first heat, as
well as other diseases of the reproductive system. Neutered males are less
likely to develop prostate enlargement and eliminates any possibility of
testicular cancer. Neutered males are less aggressive with other dogs and
less likely to bite. They are less apt to roam, looking for female
“companionship”. This also cuts down on digging out of the yard and
reduces the possibility of being hit by autos or being picked up as strays.
Males will be less likely to urinate indoors, marking their territory.
Giving birth is stressful to female cats and dogs. Many times a female
does not have time between pregnancies to recover and regain strength. She
can become thin and weak, susceptible to parasites and disease.
Every pet owner that allows their unaltered pet to roam is responsible
for the huge overpopulation of animals. For each puppy or kitten born as a
result of an unspayed female, one puppy or kitten will be euthanized at a
There are several ways that you can help with this problem. Start with
spaying or neutering your own pets. Donating to reputable organizations
such as Raney-Katie, S.A.F.E., Raining Cats and Dogs, SNIPP, or Another
Chance Animal Rescue, to name a few of my favorites. Sponsoring a spay at
a vet clinic is another option. But most importantly, get involved by
educating neighbors and friends. Please copy this article and share it.
Everyone should do their part! Any questions, contact Chic Miller at
Bella Vista Farms Animal Sanctuary at 530-347-0544.
PLEASE REMEMBER – Just one female cat’s cumulative offspring in 10
years could total over 80 MILLION!
Two uncontrolled breeding cats…Plus all their kittens and their kittens’
kittens, if none are ever spayed or neutered, add up to:
1st Year: 12
2nd Year: 66
3rd Year: 382
4th Year: 2,201
5th Year: 12,680
6th Year: 73,041
7th Year: 420,715
8th Year: 2,423,316
9th Year: 13,958,290
10th Year: 80,399,780
That is:
*2 Litters per year
*2.8 Surviving kittens per litter
*10 Year breeding life
Chart by Chic Miller
Bella Vista Farms Animal Sanctuary
4301 Lower Gas Point Road
Cottonwood, CA 96022
530-347-0544