pg. 2--Dying For A Home: America's Pet Overpopulation Crisis
by Brenda Shoss

Fallacy: "I want an alert, protective animal. If I fix my pet, she'll gain weight. He'll be a sissy." Fact: Sorry guys, but Rover has no sexual ego. He won't grieve the loss of his male identity. He will benefit from a reduced risk for testicular cancer and prostate disease. And female Fluffy will have a significantly diminished chance for mammary, uterine or ovarian cancers. Rover's disposition is the result of genetics and upbringing, not sex hormones. Pudgy pets are the consequence of excess food and minimal exercise. Any new behaviors after sterilization are beneficial. A neutered cat is less inclined to spray and mark territory. Spayed females don't have heat cycles, which prevents crying, anxiety, and unwelcome male suitors.

Alteration procedures also curb aggressive tendencies. Neutered dogs or cats are less prone to bite, fight or stray. On March 6, the mauled body of 10-year-old Rodney McAllister was found in a St. Louis park. An autopsy revealed dog attacks as the cause of death. News articles rightfully focused on the human side of this tragedy. But what about the dogs? Why were tame animals allowed to roam the streets in a ravenous pack? St. Louis stepped up its dog patrols, with 8 catchers on call 7 days a week to fetch the city's 4,000 to 5,000 strays a year. Most of the dogs involved in the McAllister incident were euthanized.

Homeless animals survive defensively, often preying upon wildlife or intimidating children. Dr. Randall Lockwood, vice president for Training Initiatives at HSUS, says "Of the nearly 20 fatalities caused by dog attacks investigated between 1992 and 1994, we have found that none was caused by a spayed or neutered dog." The increased incidence of dog assaults stems from careless overbreeding and lack of sterilization.

Why is one person's trash another person's treasure? Eleven years ago, my cousins found a kitten in the woods behind their home. The first time I met Tikvah, he was an orange vibrating bundle with oversized floppy paws. After a crash course in cat, I embarked on one of the great love affairs of my life.

Eight years ago a Glendale, California park worker also found kittens-buried in a trash dumpster. The 2-hour-old babies, in shock and mewing for their mother, found hope in the D.E.L.T.A. Rescue no-kill shelter. Sadly, 71% of their fellow felines would perish in the nation's kill shelters. With "best friends" euthanized in unprecedented numbers, sterilization is not an option. It is every guardian's responsibility.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1.) Spay or neuter all companion animals. The health advantages and defense against surplus animals far outweigh the one-time price tag. Some humane societies, activist groups and animal control agencies offer inexpensive or free spay/neuter services. If your animals are altered, sponsor a feral cat's or shelter animal's surgery. To obtain low-cost spay/neuter vouchers, call the national animal advocacy group Friends of Animals: 1-800-321-PETS (1-800-321-7387).

2.) Adopt from a shelter, to rescue one more cat or dog from unnecessary death. Even those who seek a purebred can choose from the approximately 1 out of 4 purebred animals in shelters. Though shelters screen for health or behavioral problems, all animals require your time and tenacity to become devoted friends. Older animals may be house- or obedience-trained, but bear the scars of negligence or abuse. Companion animals can conform to almost any environment and have a limitless potential for love.

3.) Animals can't call home if lost. Always outfit your companion with a microchip and identification tags.

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