Spaying and neutering is arguably the biggest single issue in domestic animal welfare. Most animal welfare organizations have placed an emphasis on education about the pet overpopulation problem. New information on the relative safety of early spaying and neutering has been a boon to shelters, which can now alter even eight week old pups before they go to their new homes. Most shelters and rescue organizations in urban areas now require that dogs be spayed or neutered before being placed in an adoptive home. Previously, shelter workers often saw the puppies of dogs they had adopted out coming through a year or two later. Most of the dogs in shelters are adolescents or adults. Many of them are from the working breed lineages, both purebred dogs and mixes. Depending on the geographic region, the dogs who are seen most at shelters might be pit-bull types, herding dogs, or gun dogs. The similarity is that they lean heavily toward highly active dogs who are between nine months and two years.
Below are statistics taken from the 2005 Dog Bible A definitive source for all things dog!
Number of dogs and cats entering shelters each year:
6-8 million
Number of dogs and cats euthanized by shelters each year:
3-4 million
Number of animal shelters in the US:
Between 4,000 and 6,000
Percentage of purebred dogs in shelters:
25 percent
Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year:
Two
Average number of puppies in a canine litter:
6-10
Theoretical number of dog one female and her offspring can produce in six years:
67,000
In Purina's 2000 State of American Pet Survey, one-third of respondents had not had their dog spayed or neutered. The top reason given is lack of time. Other reasons include the age of the dog and the desire to breed the dog.
Almost every U.S government, county or municipal requires the licensing of dogs. In addition to laws requiring owners to license their dogs, owners of unaltered dogs pay a higher license fee.
Consider adopting an adult dog from an animal shelter or rescue. You'll save a life and have an instant companion!
When choosing an adult dog, consider these questions:
*Is the breed or breed mix a good fit for your lifestyle?
*Is the dog compatible with your children?
*Is the dog compatible with your other pets?
*Is the dog friendly and outgoing?
*What's the dogs previous history?
*Is the dog in good health?
*Are you willing to accept the responsibility of licensing, altering and meeting this dogs physical and psychological needs?
October is Adopt-A-Dog Month. This yearly nationwide effort encourages dog lovers to provide a home for a homeless dog.
Public awareness and education are mandatory for getting the pet overpopulation problem under control! Share these statistics with anyone who is considering breeding their dog. It truly is a matter of life and death!
In September of 2009, the A.K.C. is holding the "Pet Ownership Responsibility Day" on the 26th. Be A Good Dog University is currently planning it's own event for this day, "The Festival Of Dogs!" Check our Events Page often as plans are being made, and do your part by setting a goal to either spay/neuter your own pets by Sept. 26th, or offer to help someone you know with the expenses to spay/neuter their pets! Help Make A Diference!!!
