The number of homeless dogs and cats in the United States is unforgivably high. Blame for this problem should be appropriately placed on the millions of irresponsible pet owners in the country who refuse to take the time or make the effort to educate themselves of the advantages of having an animal sterilized. Neutering an animal is the process of removing its reproductive organs. Males are neutered by removing their testicles. Females are also neutered, although the process of removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes is more commonly called spaying. The benefits of having a pet neutered are innumerable. Sterile animals will not contribute to the overabundance of strays roaming America, are less likely to bite, and typically lead longer, healthier lives.

As a nation, we claim to love dogs and cats. Millions of households have companion animals and billions of dollars yearly are spent on pet supplies and food. But as a nation, we should be ashamed that another statistic runs into the millions each year: the number of dogs and cats given up to shelters or left to die in our streets. Stray and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas and on private l

Henry, John Michael, DVM. Personal interview. 30 November 1999.

Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of serious health problems that can be very difficult and expensive to treat. Spaying a cat or dog eradicates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer and greatly diminishes the risk of developing mammary tumors, particularly if she is spayed before her first estrus (commonly called "heat") cycle. Spaying a dog or cat also eliminates her heat cycle, during which the female will cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals. Neutered male dogs and cats avoid testicular cancer and have a notably decreased incidence of prostate disease. Having a pet sterilized extends its life expectancy and is beneficial to its overall health.

awns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that each year 12 million strays enter the five thousand animal shelters nationwide. Twenty million will be euthanized (Humane Society of the United States 1997). Many people want their purebred pets to produce one litter before being sterilized, primarily for profit. Yet most pets should never be bred. And according to the HSUS, one fourth of the strays are purebr

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