Pet overpopulation continues to be an epidemic problem in the United States.
Too few pet owners realize the enormity of the problem, then don’t get their pets spayed and neutered. One female cat, when mated with a single male cat, can produce up to three litters per year of up to ten kittens per litter. That one cat’s production alone generates thirty unwanted cats every year. If all thirty are allowed to breed without restriction and they can begin doing so by six months of age (or younger), assuming twenty females, in another year those thirty may produce 600 new kittens.
And that doesn’t begin to count the offspring those 600 produce. No wonder Bob Barker admonishes us five days a week to spay and neuter our pets!
Despite heavy advertising by humane organizations, activists, veterinarians and news outlets, Americans haven’t gotten the message. Pet overpopulation hasn’t gotten better, it is steadily getting worse.
Bless the hearts of shelter workers who strive tirelessly to innovate to stem the tide.
Enter: Speed Dating For Homeless Animals. The concept is similar to speed dating for people: take a number, wait in line, spend ten minutes with a potential new four-legged family member, rotate. One big difference is: if you have chemistry with a certain pet, you get to adopt that pet and take him out of rotation.
NBC’s Kerry Sanders tells the Orlando, FL, story of Norvel, a Springer Spaniel surrendered to a shelter because the economy caused his family to have to give him up. And Kabob, a cute little mixed-breed terrier found abandoned in a ditch. Thanks to the generosity of volunteer groomers, Abby Blum, founder of A New Beginning Pet Care and Rescue, they experience love, and new homes, in record time. Click PLAY on the video below to see their happy story.
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As Kerry points out, not every story has a happy ending. An unthinkable percentage of dogs and cats are not adopted, and end up euthanized. A big word meaning “put to sleep.”
What can you do?
- Spay and neuter your pets.
- If you know people who allow their dogs and cats to breed randomly, educate them to the horror of pet overpopulation.
- Volunteer and donate at a local shelter.
- Provide a foster home for ill shelter pets.
The need is so great. And time really is much too short for many of these beautiful and loving animals.
See you tomorrow, Dr. Randolph.
