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World Spay Day 2012
World Spay Day 2012
With the mild winter comes an early spring. In the animal welfare world, that means more litters of pet animals and still not enough homes. World Spay Day reminds us to make sure our pets do not contribute to the continuing tragedy that is pet overpopulation. Speaking of Pets
February 25, 2012 by Mindy Norton The Humane Society of the United States estimates that every year in this country animal shelters are forced to euthanize four million pet animals because there are too many of them and not enough homes. The majority of those would make wonderful pets and companions, if they only had a chance.

So, four million a year – that's one animal every eight seconds. During the time it takes to listen to this broadcast, fifteen animals will lose their lives for lack of homes and owners to love and care for them.

The answer, the only answer, is to prevent the births of those millions of animals who have no chance to be a real pet.

That's where the idea of spaying and neutering comes in. It is the 100% guaranteed way to make sure a pet does not produce unwanted litters of baby animals that add to the pet overpopulation program.

This coming Tuesday is the 18th Annual World Spay Day, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States in partnership with the Doris Day Animal Foundation, the ASPCA, PetSmart Charities, the House Rabbit Society and the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association.

It's a day to encourage all of us to make sure our own pets are spayed or neutered as well a reminder of the benefits for us and our furry friends. For example, animals who are spayed or neutered tend to live longer, be healthier and behave better than their unaltered counterparts.

As part of World Spay Day, there are a lot of events happening all around the country (and around the world).

In addition, there's an online Spay Day Pet Photo Contest where you can submit a picture of your pet.

Go online to APR.org, go to the Arts page and look for the Speaking of Pets logo. You'll find the text of this message which includes links to the photo contest as well as links to a list of all events planned in conjunction with World Spay Day. Use the map to search by location to find one near you.

Remember, animal welfare starts at home, with you, by taking good care of your best friend and having it neutered or spayed, when you're speaking of pets.

Speaking of Pets with host Mindy Norton (pets@apr.org) is for people who care about pets and about humane treatment for animals in general, and who want to celebrate that special relationship between us and our animal companions. Find out more about Speaking of Pets at Alabama Public Radio. © Copyright 2013, APR - ALABAMA PUBLIC RADIO