Fix your pet, it’s the kindest thing you can do

March 5, 2014 · 0 Comments

The Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Branch urges the public to fix their pets.

The pet overpopulation is at crisis levels in Ontario. The Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Branch encourages the public to fix their pets and help reduce the number of unwanted pets.

Tens of thousands of dogs and cats end up homeless on the street or orphaned every year. Having your pet spayed or neutered will directly address this problem.

Spay/Neutering pets reduces shelter intake: The Ontario SPCA opened three high volume spay/neuter services across the province. Since their inception the Society has fixed close to 40,000 animals. As a result, in 2012, the Ontario SPCA saw their cat intake in their shelters reduced by 18%!

Pet overpopulation also contributes to the cycle of neglect and abuse: The Ontario SPCA responds to on average over 16, 000 animal cruelty complaints every year. Protecting your pet, by having them spayed or neutered, can help reduce this number and make Dufferin County a safer place for our pets.

Spaying/neutering pets may also reduce health risks and physical stress, and improve behaviour in your pet. Fixed pets are also less likely to roam, reducing the risk of injury, accident and loss.

Some myths & truths about fixing your pet:

• MYTH: Fixing my pet will make him/her overweight. FACT: Fixing your pet should not result in weight gain if your pet receives a healthy diet and sufficient exercise.

• MYTH: Fixing my pet interferes with nature. FACT: Domesticated dogs and cats are completely dependent on humans. It is our responsibility as their guardians to ensure that the number of companion animals born does not exceed the number of available homes.

• MYTH: All animals have the right to have one litter. FACT: Spaying a female cat or dog before she goes into heat even once will greatly reduce her risk of developing mammary, ovarian and uterine cancer.

“Pet overpopulation is too high; there aren’t enough shelters to house all of the unwanted animals. Spaying or neutering your pet can directly address this issue,” said Carol Hulcoop, Branch Manager. “It is our duty as responsible pet owners to help lower the number of unwanted litters in our back alleys, dumpsters and our sheltering facilities.”

To contribute to the spay/neuter effort, consider Spaying it Forward by donating the average price of a spay/neuter procedure to the Orangeville & District Branch. Those who donate through this initiative will receive a special “Fix Your Pet” keychain. To do so, please visit fixyourpet.ca and click on the Spay it Forward tab.

Fixyourpet.ca, it’s the kindest thing you can do.