SPAY OR   NEUTER!

IT'S IMMORAL NOT TO.

In 7 years, 1 female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats.

In 6 years, 1 female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs.

(The Tracker has compiled the following article from several sources.)

For those of you who believe in the word of the Bible, consider one of the Ten Commandments, "Thou shalt not kill."  Then consider this:  Between 5-9 million dogs and cats are killed nationwide in animal shelters alone each year.

Through acts of human irresponsibility, public and private shelters become killing grounds.  Also as a further result of human thoughtlessness, homeless animals suffer environmental poisoning, exposure to the elements, starvation and disease. When all the victims are tallied, the horrific statistic of many more than 5-9 million dead dogs and cats form a mighty high mountain.

Why do we allow this carnage to happen?  Why do we rationalize away all the reasons we should responsibly spay or neuter our pets?

"Consider the expense!" Yes, we do.  Consider this also, there are countless low-cost spay and neuter clinics all over the country, not to mention right here in Los Angeles County and City.  Ask your local shelter or SPCA. Ask any of the numerous animal rescue organizations. Be advised that there are organizations that will go the full mile to assist you in getting the deed done.  Or go to the Internet and type in "spay neuter."  Or call 1-800-321-PETS for low-cost spay or neuter information in your area. Also, be aware that an unaltered dog will cost you more than an altered one. In the City of Los Angeles an unaltered dog license is $100 per year and, at the present time, only $10.00 for an altered dog.

"I want my kids to see the miracle of birth."  Your kids may see the miracle of birth, but the "miracles" often end up being dumped at a shelter, drowned in a paper bag, or wandering homeless and hungry, or victims of cruelty. What kind of miracle is that? There just aren't enough homes for all those miracles! And if it's the miracle you must have your kids see, there are as many as two videos that I know of that are available.

"Just one litter for a better disposition."  This is pure and unadulterated nonsense. In truth, spaying or neutering your pet will mostly improve their personalities and make them less aggressive. Oh, and, by the way, just one litter will not improve their health either. Early spaying and neutering will.

"I don't want a fat and lazy dog.  I want a watchdog." First, cats or dogs don't get fat from spaying or neutering.  They get fat from lack of exercise and overfeeding.  Second, being a good watchdog comes as a result of wanting to defend his territory, which he will more likely do because there is no reason to wander off.