We hope Shakespeare will forgive our temerity to borrow one of his famous lines and turn it on its head. In 'Julius Caesar', Marc Antony describes Brutus' stabbing of Caesar as "the unkindest cut of all." This month, as we celebrate the annual Spay Day USA, promoting the spaying and neutering of companion animals, we've begun to refer to the surgical procedure as "the kindest cut of all."
Every year in the United States, approximately 50 dogs and cats are born for every person. And each year, millions of healthy dogs and cats are killed because there are not enough homes for them all. These animals include purebred puppies and cats, unplanned litters, and strays. But things don't have to be this way. The simplest solution is to prevent companion animals reproducing in the first place.
Concerns that spay/neuter interferes with nature is one of the most popular reasons for not altering a companion animal. Unfortunately, humans began interfering long before they understood the effects that such changes would have on today's companion animal populations. As a result of removing natural predators, improving health care and increasing nutrition, our companion animal populations have grown beyond our control. Now, more than ever, we must assume responsibility for combating this situation. Nothing is less natural than the euthanasia of perfectly healthy animals. Humanely altering our pets is the best alternative to the suffering of unwanted animals.
Besides preventing the births of millions of dogs and cats, the health and behavior benefits of spaying and neutering companion animals are incontestable. Spaying removes a female dog or cat's reproductive organs, thus eliminating the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer. Spaying also reduces the risk that the female will develop mammary cancer, especially if the procedure is carried out before her first heat cycle. Neutering removes a male dog or cat's testicles, eliminating the possibility of testicular cancer and diminishing the occurrence of prostate problems. Not only do pets live longer, healthier lives, but ailments that are expensive and difficult to treat are curtailed.
Among the leading causes for pet abandonment or relinquishment to shelters are behavioral problems - roaming, aggression, marking, and spraying. Many of these behaviors are reduced or eradicated by spay/neuter, and altered pets are generally calmer and gentler than their unaltered counterparts. Spay/neuter can also save taxpayers millions of dollars each year as the burden on local shelters and animal control agencies is lessened.
Spaying and neutering is the most effective method of controlling companion animal overpopulation. It's the responsible thing to do, and the kindest.
