Another Great Event By The Humane Society Of The United States.

Today, at events all over the country, thousands of dogs and cats will be given a treatment that is guaranteed to save countless lives: They will be spayed or neutered. It's Spay Day USA, a national event that seeks to end the tragedy of too many pets and not enough homes. Spaying or neutering is the most humane and cost-effective way to reduce the vast number of animals whose lives are ended prematurely each year in shelters and on the streets, simply because there are not enough homes for them all. In 2007, The Humane Society of the United States spayed or neutered more than 3,200 pets through our innovative program that provides free or subsidized services to pets of families living in poverty-stricken or geographically isolated areas. This year, we hope to reach even more animals in need through this program, run by our newly formed Humane Society VeterinaryMedical Association (HSVMA). The average cost to taxpayers to care for a homeless animal is$176. Compare that to the $75 national average to spay or neuter a dog or cat, and it's clear that we have tremendous potential to reduce animal suffering and save communities millions of dollars.

Mandatory Sterilization - Yes or No?

The Los Angeles City Council voted 10 to 1 Friday 2/1/08, to approve mandatory sterilization of most dogs and cats at the age of 4 months or older, and city officials pledged low-key enforcement driven by complaints. The ordinance must get a second reading in a week, but it is expected to pass. The measure, initiated by Councilman Richard Alarcon, offers exemptions for animals of licensed breeders, show animals and service animals. Veterinarians who believe that sterilizing certain dogs and cats is too risky, or that four months is too young an age, can provide a letter to get the animals exempted. The main supported of this bill is none other than Bob Barker, the retired Price is Right host. His famous line, "don't forget to have your pet spayed or neutered," became a hit. I feel that mandatory sterilization is a really good idea. If people would take care of their animals as they should, then there would not be so many unwanted animals running loose. This ties in with my post on Feral dogs.

some of this information was gathered from watching Headline News on TV.