I
hope Shakespeare will forgive me when I have the temerity to borrow one
of his famous lines and turn it on its head. In 'Julius Caesar', Marc
Antony describes Brutus' stabbing of Caesar as "the unkindest cut of
all." As we are promoting the spaying and neutering of companion
animals, I've begun to refer to the surgical procedure as "the kindest
cut of all."
Every year in the United States,
approximately 50 dogs and cats are born for every person. And each year,
millions of healthy dogs and cats are killed because there are not
enough homes for them all. These animals include purebred puppies and
cats, unplanned litters, and strays. But things don't have to be this
way. The simplest solution is to prevent companion animals reproducing
in the first place.
Concerns that spay/neuter interferes with nature is one of the most
popular reasons for not altering a companion animal. Unfortunately,
humans began interfering long before they understood the effects that
such changes would have on today's companion animal populations. As a
result of removing natural predators, improving health care and
increasing nutrition, our companion animal populations have grown beyond
our control. Now, more than ever, we must assume responsibility for
combating this situation. Nothing is less natural than the euthanasia of
perfectly healthy animals. Humanely altering our pets is the best
alternative to the suffering of unwanted animals.
Besides preventing the births of millions of dogs and cats, the health
and behavior benefits of spaying and neutering companion animals are
incontestable. Spaying removes a female dog or cat's reproductive
organs, thus eliminating the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer. Spaying
also reduces the risk that the female will develop mammary cancer,
especially if the procedure is carried out before her first heat cycle.
Neutering removes a male dog or cat's testicles, eliminating the
possibility of testicular cancer and diminishing the occurrence of
prostate problems. Not only do pets live longer, healthier lives, but
ailments that are expensive and difficult to treat are curtailed.
Among the leading causes for pet abandonment or relinquishment to
shelters are behavioral problems - roaming, aggression, marking, and
spraying. Many of these behaviors are reduced or eradicated by
spay/neuter, and altered pets are generally calmer and gentler than
their unaltered counterparts. Spay/neuter can also save taxpayers
millions of dollars each year as the burden on local shelters and animal
control agencies is lessened.
Spaying and neutering is the most effective method of controlling
companion animal overpopulation. It's the responsible thing to do, and
the kindest.
Sincerely,
Daniel T. Craig
President
Reprinted
with permission of the San Francisco SPCA.
