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Population Control of Unwanted Pets 1
G. W. Meyerholz and Martha Turner2A real problem lies with the population control of unwanted pets. About 20 percent of the estimated 36 million dogs and 36 million cats in the United States pass through public and private animal shelters each year. Eighty percent of these are euthanized because they are unwanted. The cost is $60 to $100 million or about $7 for each animal. In addition, unknown numbers of unwanted pets are killed or die outside of these shelters. These unfortunate creatures are often unattended or become strays and are a nuisance and public health problem. They may rob garbage cans, create noise by barking, molest children, carry diseases such as rabies, or kill wildlife and livestock. The pet-owning and general public should become aware of this problem. Education is important to clarify misunderstandings about sterilization and to emphasize the responsibility of pet owners. Public officials should recognize the need for animal control legislation and adequate enforcement.
PET OWNER RESPONSIBILITY
Owning a pet is a responsibility. Before obtaining a pet, potential owners should determine if they can afford to provide the food, care, and environment needed. The decision to acquire a pet should be given serious consideration because the majority of unwanted pets at shelters are brought in by their owners.When obtaining a pet, find out what to feed and how to care for the animal properly. Vaccinations, health care and veterinary services are needed. Every owner has a responsibility to protect public health by scheduling recommended rabies vaccinations. Training is very important, too. A well-behaved pet is a joy to its owner and appreciated by others. For dogs, obedience classes are available and helpful. Proper restraint is necessary at all times to keep the animal from becoming a nuisance, prevent unwanted breeding, and for its own safety. In populated areas, the pet should be kept on a leash when outside or confined to an enclosed area. Discipline should be used to control excessive barking and other annoying habits.
NEUTERING
Neutering consists of complete or partial removal of the reproductive organs by veterinarians. Both castrated males and spayed females generally make better pets. They have less tendency to wander or attract other dogs or cats. Misconceptions such as "neutered animals get fat" should be dispelled. Neutered animals are usually not as active, require less food, and will not become obese if fed accordingly.Some people want their children to see a live birth. Actually, there is very little chance of this happening. The mother will seek seclusion, usually at night. Also, if a female has a litter, this creates 2 problems: 1) homes must be found for offspring or they must be disposed of, and 2) the mature female is a greater surgical risk to spay.
Males should also be neutered. Castration is surgical removal of both testicles. A vasectomy involves tying the sperm-carrying tubes. Castration at a young age prevents chasing after females in "heat". Vasectomized males will continue this normal habit. A male cat or dog should be about 6 months of age or older before neutering to allow for complete development of the urinary system. This may prevent future development of urinary stones. If they are over a year old, their male habits may already be developed and difficult to change.
The female dog comes into heat for the first time at 6 to 9 months of age and about every 6 months for the rest of her life. This heat period is characterized by swelling of the vulva, a bloody discharge from the vagina, and attraction of male dogs. The heat period lasts for about 3 weeks. The bitch is most likely to conceive between the 9th and 15th day. The female cat is sexually mature at 7 to 12 months of age. The heat period lasts 3 to 10 days, and occurs every 2 to 3 weeks from February to September providing she has not already conceived. Ovulation is initiated upon copulation, so she can conceive anytime during heat with conception being nearly 100 percent. Generally, dogs or cats should be spayed after they are 3 months old and before the first heat or between 3 and 6 months of age for a dog and between 3 and 7 months of age for a cat. A veterinarian can advise on the best time for individual pets.
In some communities, there are cooperative programs for spaying and castration of animals available to those who can't afford to have it done otherwise. Those qualifying for such programs should contact public agencies, humane organizations, or veterinarians for further information.
ANIMAL CONTROL
At a recent national conference on the surplus dog and cat problem, it was agreed that a definite deficiency in animal control presently exists. The most prevalent deficiencies are absence of authority to pursue and capture, lack of trained personnel, and reluctance of authorities to enforce laws. Animal owners should be aware of and comply with leash laws and other animal control regulations. Legislators should be encouraged to enact more suitable animal control legislation and to provide for appropriate enforcement personnel and facilities. It was recommended that fees should be the principle source of funds for all animal control functions. Differential license fees should be established according to ability to reproduce, and applied to both males and females.The problem of unwanted pets is real. Constructive community action may be needed. Support contributing humane organizations through donations and voluntary help. Help educate the public and pet owners. Encourage owners to have their pets neutered and to accept the responsibilities of pet ownership. It is much kinder to prevent the birth of unwanted pets than to allow them to suffer from starvation, exposure, or death on the streets, or for the more fortunate, to be humanely destroyed in a shelter.
Footnotes
1. This document is VM-23, one of a series of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Date first printed April 1975. Please visit the FAIRS Web site at http://hammock.ifas.ufl.edu.2. G. W. Meyerholz, DVM, Extension Veterinarian, and Martha Turner, Student Assistant, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry Arrington, Dean.
Copyright Information
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