this is a shame

[tsai_jack]

Spay/neuter education
Last year, more than 17,000 animals--66 percent of those that we received--were euthanized (put to sleep) at TLAC. If you think that's a shame, we agree. Many animals are euthanized due to illness or injury, but the majority die because no one wants them. There are simply too many dogs and cats in the Austin area and not enough homes for them.

Spaying and neutering animals are the most effective and practical methods of ensuring that puppies and kittens won't be born in the first place. Local veterinarians generously donate spay and neuter services to all of our newly adopted pets before they go home.

TLAC also offers a low-cost spay/neuter program for the pets of low-income Austin residents. We urge all animal lovers to help us spread the word about the importance of spaying and neutering. Please encourage your family, friends and neighbors to spay or neuter their pets!
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/animals/hltlser.htm#spay

i was surfing the city hall of Austin and looking for infos. i come across this. that's a shame indeed.

[AngelBunny]

This fact is more than a shame--it's an *obscenity.* There's absolutely no reason for owners of pets/family companions/friends to have intact dogs or cats.

[HANNAPOOH]

Worst of all that is just ONE shelter. I was told that SPCA in Philadlephia (where I rescued our Poodle Peaches) puts down 36,000 animals per year. That's almost 100 a day.
This is why both our girls are spayed. We will never add to that statistic. :( :(

[K9-man]

08/13/2001 7:42 AM CDT

Originally posted by AngelBunny:
<STRONG>This fact is more than a shame--it's an *obscenity.* There's absolutely no reason for owners of pets/family companions/friends to have intact dogs or cats.</STRONG>

ABSOLUTELY!

Originally posted by HANNAPOOH:
<STRONG> Worst of all that is just ONE shelter. I was told that SPCA in Philadlephia (where I rescued our Poodle Peaches) puts down 36,000 animals per year. That's almost 100 a day.
</STRONG>

TOTALLY PATHETIC!

[Sansano]

Originally posted by AngelBunny:
<STRONG>There's absolutely no reason for owners of pets/family companions/friends to have intact dogs or cats.</STRONG>

I have to disagree. A knowedgeable, responsible dog owner has every right to keep his/her dog intact. Specifically this breed develops much differently if it is neutered very early. I personally like the disposition of an intact, confident male Rottweiler and will be keeping mine intact at least until he is 2, maybe later.

Of course, spay/neuter programs and encouragement of this is a good thing. Way too many unwanted dogs out there and this is the best way to effictively control them. I jus believe responsible pet owners need not pay for unresponsible owners sins.

[ August 13, 2001: Message edited by: Sansano ]

[AngelBunny]

Sansano:

I don't disagree that "knowledgeable, responsible" owners can do as they wish; however, the statistics scream there are too few "knowedgeable, responsible" owners.

I *hate* walking past rows & rows & rows of dogs in shelters when I'm there to evaluate dogs for our program, knowing that most of those animals are going to be put down.