Spaying is a better solution
to animals that are homeless
By Cindy Lindsay
Special to GwinnettForum.com

LAWRENCEVILLE, Oct. 31 -- An estimated 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in this country each day. Most of those are born to die in shelters or become one of the millions who are abandoned, severely neglected or abused.

One unspayed dog and her offspring can produce 4,372 puppies in just seven years. One unspayed cat and her offspring can produce 80 million kittens in ten years. These puppies and kittens are part of the 25 million dogs and cats who become homeless each year. Of those, 10 to 17 million companion animals are killed in animal shelters. Only one in 10 will leave the shelter alive. It's a senseless cycle, a waste of tax dollars and a cruel way to treat our "best" friends.

The current solution is to euthanize the surplus animals. Americans spend over $1 billion in tax dollars every year to kill "man's best friend." But a community which values its companion animals cannot accept the slaughtering of millions of healthy dogs and cats each year.

In 1989, SpayGeorgia (formerly Humane Services of Metro Atlanta) laid the groundwork for a better solution--reduce the number of dogs and cats being born. Since its inception, the subsidized spay/neuter program has worked hand-in-hand with generous area veterinarians to spay and neuter tens of thousands of dogs and cats (over 30,000 as of September, 2001).

SpayGeorgia was born out of the idea that too little was being done to address the problem of animal overpopulation. The idea that overpopulation is animal cruelty is a basis of the organization. SpayGeorgia's mission is direct and straightforward: reduce the number of dogs and cats who are homeless by promoting widespread spay and neuter services throughout the state.

SpayGeorgia believes that ending pet overpopulation is a struggle that can and must be won. Animal shelters and city streets have been turned into places of death where thousands of innocent, voiceless creatures are killed each month--their only crime is being born. If they could speak, they'd ask for the privilege of not being born until they can be assured of a home and a human companion who will provide love and protection.

You can help end the suffering. As a voice of these innocent animals, SpayGeorgia asks for your concern and support. With contributions and commitments from people concerned about our companion animals, Georgia can change the cruel reality of pet overpopulation. The goal is to end the suffering of these gentle creatures who ask no more of us than to be loved and cared for. With your help, a solution is in sight.

You can help reduce pet overpopulation. Only through your donations can SpayGeorgia continue to provide a spay/neuter program. Please make a tax-deductible contribution today to SpayGeorgia, PO Box 870087, Stone Mountain, Ga. 30087, or visit our web site at www.spaygeorgia.org.

-- 30 --