As 2010 unfolds, one of the problems we will continue to face in the Carolina mountains is pet over-population. Here is a stunning statistic: In the U.S., about 10,000 human babies are born every day. In contrast, almost 3,000 puppies and kittens are born every hour. That's why shelters and rescue organizations in our area are so overwhelmed with stray, homeless, and unwanted cats and dogs.
There are three important things you can do to help reduce pet over-population:
1. Spay or neuter your pet. It is essential to "fix" your pet so it cannot reproduce. In many areas, it is unlawful to own a pet that has not been spayed or neutered. As the statistic above proves, dogs and cats proliferate with ease, producing litters of typically 4 to 8 animals with each birth. Low cost spay and neuter procedures are available in Western North Carolina at Humane Alliance in Asheville (www.humanealliance.org) and in the Upstate at Animal Allies in Spartanburg (www.animal-allies.org).2. Adopt a pet. If you are thinking of getting a dog or cat, please OPT TO ADOPT. Local shelters and animal rescue organizations have many animals available of all breeds, sizes, and ages. These are not "rejects" -- they are animals that are typically available because they have been found as strays or they have been surrendered by their owners. Rescue animals make the best pets -- they know they are being saved by their new owners and they become lifelong, loyal companions as a result. See the list of shelters and rescue organizations to find one near you. Please DO NOT buy pets from a pet store or a "backyard breeder" -- these animals are often bred in deplorable conditions and it is not unusual for them to have behavioral and health issues.
3. Help put puppy mills out of business. Puppy mills are hellish operations run by people whose sole purpose is to make a profit by selling as many puppies as possible. Female dogs are often kept in the worst imaginable conditions and used as breeding machines. Puppies produced at these mills are poorly socialized and often genetically or medically unhealthy. Many people don't realize that most pet store puppies come from puppy mills. Unfortunately, North Carolina is home to many puppy mills. You can help put these places out of business by boycotting pet store puppies and urging family and friends to adopt dogs from shelters and rescue organizations instead. For more information on how to put an end to puppy mills, check these resources: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/campaigns/stop_puppy_mills/
http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/puppy-mills/
http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/puppies_arent_products.cfm
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