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Irish Animals on the Web
(http://www.irishanimals.com/)
The Solution?:
Have your own pet spayed or neutered.
Encourage friends, family and neighbours to have their animals spayed and
neutered.
Sponsor the spaying and neutering of a shelter animal.
What Do the Terms "Spaying" and "Neutering" Mean?: "Spaying" and "neutering" are surgical procedures used to prevent pets
from reproducing. In a female animal, "spaying" consists of removing the
uterus and ovaries. The technical term is ovario-hysterectomy. For a male
animal, "neutering" involves the removal of the testicles, and this is known
as castration.
Does It Hurt?: As the surgery is done under a general anaesthetic it is painless. The
operation for both males and for females is straightforward and low risk.
Recovery is usually uneventful. The worst your pet might experience is
some discomfort for a short time after the operation.
When Should It Be Done?:
The usual recommendation is at 6 to 7 months for both cats and dogs.
Your veterinarian should be consulted to determine the best time for your
pet.
The Myth: "Shouldn't A Female Pet Have One Litter First?":
Allowing a female dog or cat to produce a litter does not have any
benefits. There are health risks to the mother during the pregnancy and
when giving birth. Finding good homes for puppies and kittens isn't easy. Plus, even if you manage to place your pet's offspring, you are in essence condemning that number of unwanted shelter and pound animals.
If you think there are homes for these offspring, ponder this fact - Irish local authorities kill over 25,000 unwanted dogs every year. It is difficult to visualise this figure. If one dog was killed every five minutes, this would equal over two thousand continual hours of killing. This is equivalent to eight hours a day, fifty two weeks a year of continual killing. Do you really want to be a party to this suffering?
The Myth: Spaying and Neutering are not "natural": Humans domesticated animals and brought them into our lives. The environment we and our pets live in is very different from the 'natural' one. We have made them dependent on us, which means we are responsible for their
well being, just as we are with any other family member. What's natural about getting 'rid' of the resultant litters of unspayed animals in dumpsters, paper bags, boxes, drowning or destruction in the pound? They are living breathing creatures who were born unwanted - what kind of cruel cycle is that to create?
The Myth: "I want my children to 'experience the miracle of birth':
This isn't a very good reason to let your animal
procreate. First, animals usually give birth in a secluded place.
Second, wouldn't it be better to teach your children the importance
of responsible pet ownership? Once again, do you want to contribute to the misery
of overpopulation. Scan the papers, talk to your vet, and/or call local pounds and
animal welfare groups. They'll tell you about the box after box of
litters they receive; most of which are destroyed. Then there are those who consider dumping or drowning
an alternative. Is this the way to treat precious life?
Will My Pet Become Fat and Lazy Once He or She is Sterilized?:
No. Your pet will actually benefit from spaying or neutering, because he or
she will lead a healthier and longer life. Pets become fat and lazy as a
result of overeating and a lack of exercise, not from spaying or neutering.
Furthermore, spaying a female eliminates the possibility of her developing
uterine and/or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the chance of breast
cancer. Neutering a male reduces the incidence of prostate enlargement
and prostate cancer.
Will It Change My Pet's Personality?:
Generally not. For a female there is virtually no change at all. For males it
usually results in a diminishing of some aggressive behaviours.
Spayed/neutered pets are free from sexual anxiety and are, therefore,
calmer and more content to stay at home. You also have the peace of mind that you
are not adding to the pet overpopulation. Also, if you have more than one
pet, you will find they get along much better if they are all spayed or
neutered.
What is It Going To Cost To Spay/Neuter My Pet?: The cost of spaying or neutering your pet depends on many factors. For
example, a large dog will cost more than a small dog; if your pet is
overweight or in season this can also add to the cost. Contact your
veterinarian to get a more accurate idea of the costs involved for your pet.
The cost of spaying/neutering is really quite small when compared, for
example, to what you will spend on food for your pet over its lifetime. Also
consider the possible costs if you do not spay and neuter. If your pet
should wander off in search of a mate, you may be faced with paying fines
and impoundment costs. Worse yet, think of the costs should your pet be injured while roaming for
a mate. If you need help in paying for a spay or neuter, talk to a local welfare group regarding vouchers.
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