Everyone these days seems to have an opinion on how we can lower the numbers of homeless pets that are lingering in shelters, euthanized due to competition for space, and begging for forever homes from rescues. I truly believe there is no magic elixir, no one perfect potion that would end our pet overpopulation challenges. There is, however, a multi-pronged approach that would seriously cut our numbers of homeless pets and begin the path toward a kinder, gentler world for pets and their humans alike.
What doesn’t help
Most people have by now heard of Nathan Winograd’s No-Kill Nation. It’s a good idea, but I think his means to attain it are a bit narrow-minded and don’t cover all that is involved. It’s a catchy phrase, an “army” of believers to spew mistrust against the many shelter managers and workers across this country, and seemingly a way for Mr. Winograd to exact his personal revenge – but it does not solve the problem. It just hurtles epithets and accusations, and imbues a false simplistic sense of what is needed.
Then there are the legions of rescue folks who can be heard any day of the week muttering mantras about “save a life – spay/neuter!”. While there is much truth in this – many of the unwanted pets in this system came about because of an unneutered pet meeting up with another in the neighborhood, or amateurs breeding for kicks – eliminating our pets’ abilities to procreate will only affect a portion of the pet overpopulation epidemic.
The reason? Pet stores and online puppy sellers. Not only do these resellers of “family bred” cough puppy mill babies pump tens of thousands of additional pets into the system every year, they also do not require neutering. Pet store owners will proudly announce that they offer “free spay/neuter” by their participating veterinarian after purchase, but that doesn’t mean it gets done.
Breeders. In the scheme of things, a small portion of the pets in existence come from quality (read, “legit” and “responsible”) breeders. And although they definitely do not require neutering of the young’ens, they serve a valuable purpose in the world of pets, particularly dogs. We need someone keeping watch over the integrity of the breeds, and continuing solid, healthy bloodlines. Good breeders are not a problem.
So what would work?
To attain the end-goal of a no-kill nation, we need to do more than bash the shelters that are often strung up by political wrangling, hand-tied by shortages of funds that keep getting slashed, and buried up to their eyeballs in tidal waves of unwanted pets that never seem to ebb. Are there bad shelter directors? You bet. We should call them out, have them replaced. But there is so much more to these shelters that most of us never know about.
Stem the flow of pets going into these shelters. First and foremost, we can stop the flow from the unnecessary and inhumane pet stores and website retailers. It should be illegal across the country for these unscrupulous, greedy business people to sell pets. If we can’t get federal legislation – then we keep chipping away at it through the local governments, and educating the public.
Currently, many municipalities across the US are either passing legislation to restrict or outlaw pet stores selling pets from mills, or are hamstrung by lawsuits – brought about by the owners of said stores with the backing of the likes of the breeding industry. We must contact our local, state, and federal representatives, and let them know we solidly approve of such legislation, regardless of the big-money threats. Our votes can speak for the animals.
By stopping any flow of pets from those sources, it would also free up most of the homes that would have bought from them – for pets from the shelters and rescues instead. Right there is a great reduction in the numbers of homeless.
Spay and Neuter. Yes, we should continue to encourage people to spay or neuter their pets, and if possible have the procedure already performed prior to adoption. However, I don’t believe harping about it over and over will affect the outcome. What is needed is real education, so that people can comprehend the reason this is so important. Facts, not myths and falsehoods or empty platitudes, should be provided for people who must decide for themselves.
Support for our local rescue organizations. Rescue organizations play a huge role in caring for and rehoming our homeless pets. They not only take in the strays from our neighborhoods, they also often take in as many as they can from the shelters. Rescues ease the burdens of shelters. They work hard to find homes for the pets, encourage or require spay/neuter, and often do it all with an entirely volunteer base.
Finally, and this one is intrinsic in our throwaway society – we desperately need to encourage a healthier, more humane and responsible attitude towards animals. Too many people give up their pets too easily or quickly; too many do not understand the impact they have on their pets and just how much the animals suffer. And there is undoubtedly a large percentage of our society that doesn’t realize the futility of relinquishing their pet to a high-kill shelter.
In tandem with this, those who are well-versed in the challenges of pet overpopulation would do well to save a bit of the compassion they extend toward animals – for their fellow human beings. Many people are not as attuned to the issues, some are overwhelmed with personal challenges and are simply unable to be responsible for their pet. And some were never taught as children to have compassion for animals.
Empathy is a learned discipline, we are not born with it. But those of us who have had the privilege of learning this important trait hold the responsibility to use it wisely – and in an understanding, compassionate way help to educate the masses on the importance of these animals in our lives, in our world.
Additionally: Ensuring tax dollars are allocated toward the local shelters to provide for our homeless pets, understanding the importance and cost of such care, and working toward solutions that help people keep their pets in their homes can all help tremendously.
A kinder world begins with a more understanding, open heart – towards all living beings, including fellow humans we sometimes wish would behave differently. Focusing on the needs of the animals, though, and the ways we can decrease the number of homeless pets and increase love and understanding in humans as our pets have taught us — that would surely make a difference for animals.
There are so many ways we can affect a positive impact on pet overpopulation, but no one issue is a panacea – do you agree? What are your suggestions?
Eddie, Scully, Spice, and Polly are available for Chicagoland adoption through Almost Home Foundation (Photo credits: Purr Photography)
Today we are participating in Be the Change for Animals‘ quarterly Blog the Change for Animals. Please visit the sites below for more ways we can be the change for animals!
I agree with every word. If only there was a magic potion. Unfortunately, we live in a throw away culture that does not truly value living creatures. A kinder world is exactly what we need.
Thanks, Sue. There are just no simple answers – fortunately, though, there are plenty of us willing to do whatever it takes to make it a better world for our animal friends!
I actually edited out a part of my post today touching on that while spaying and neutering is important, it isn’t everything. If too much emphasis is put in altering pets, people put their saving animals passions into the wrong places and lobby for laws requiring spay and neuter surgeries or against responsible breeders (who are not the problem and thank you for pointing that out.) If only more big business/money would help with the fight against puppy mills, pet store sales and just-for-fun breeders we might stand a chance of someday having a home for every pet!
Absolutely! Interesting that we both posted about the same subject, I smiled when I read your post. We’re on the same page, Bethany!
well said – it really is, ultimately we think, about teaching people that animals are not disposable…. with greater responsibility and commitment, the hope is that one day the overpopulation problem can be dealt with.
Education is key to reform, I agree. That hope? We all share it, and are working toward it. Here’s to that special day! 🙂
Well said. If only folks were kinder and less inclined tobe a throw away society so many things would be better. I think there are some signs that things are improving. Last year San Diego, where I live, banned pet stores and I know other cities have done the same. Hopefully word continues to get out about ways people can help.
We were thrilled last year when that ban passed in San Diego! And equally thrilled last month when the businesses that filed a lawsuit against the city and Companion Animal Protection Society LOST, and the ban was upheld.
You’re right, there is a wind of change for the better …. we just need to keep our eyes on the goals!
This is a brilliant post. So well-thought-out and right on the money. I think the single-mindedness of some welfare folks pushes the discussion in a dangerous discussion. It is multi-pronged, as you pointed out, and starts with compassion.
Thanks, Maggie. I hope more in the welfare fields will begin to place more emphasis on compassion and less on judging. We have too much in common with what we want!
Great post – thanks for spreading the word! Education is key to achieving real change.
I wholeheartedly agree – education is key!
These are great points!. I am optimistic (naive) enough to believe we can become a no kill nation except in cases of terminally ill and perhaps very aggressive dogs (on an individual basis), I admit I’m not very political and I don’t know anything about Nathan Winograd’s revenge tactics. Shutting down puppy mills and backyard breeders is an important key. I think that the general public still doesn’t understand the nature of pet store puppies. I will say that sometimes an ethical breeder will insist that a puppy be spayed or neutered as part of the contract. This will happen if a puppy has a ‘flaw’ that should not be passed down, and occasionally to prevent people from buying 2 purebreds and start breeding them. Pet overpopulation is a real concern, but I am optimistic that the problem can be solved in a humane manner. (Not quickly enough, but hopefully sooner rather than later.) Thanks for spearheading Blog The Change for Animals. It has been very interesting to see so many posts about the different ways we can improve the lives of animals.
I think you’re right, Beth, that the “general public still doesn’t understand the nature of pet store puppies” – we seem to have a long way to go on that yet. But we will get there, public opinion is already seeing a sea of change. Good point about the ethical breeders who will insist on neutering if there is a genetic flaw.
I have great faith we will some day see a much more humane world for our pets – like you I feel optimistic..
Here’s to a better day for all of us!
A very complete look at the issues involved in overpopulation. I especially appreciate that you included the importance of government funding for local shelters.
In the past few years, several local towns decided they no longer wanted to contract with the Tompkins County SPCA (where Nathan Winograd came to work a decade ago) for their animal control services. They decided it would be cheaper to contract with local business people who would capture stray and lost animals and find them homes.
As a result, we have a few of these local businesses who don’t have the vet care, volunteers, professional behaviorist of the TC SPCA taking in animals. I would much rather see county animal control consolidated in one professional setting where resources can be used more effectively to find home for pets.
Just one small point about breeders and neuter/spay. A responsible breeder requires all adopters to spay or neuter their dogs if they aren’t going to be shown. It’s in the contract we signed when we brought Honey home with us.
Our breeder drove Honey’s entire litter to Boston to consult with a show judge. She helped them decide which of the litter had the traits worth passing on. The remaining 5 puppies who were adopted into homes as companions were required to be spayed or neutered.
I imagine there are some adopters who just don’t do it. But our breeder spent a lot of time approving us to adopt one of her puppies. She still keeps in touch with us today–sending us health info and the like. So it’s unlikely, as you said, that responsible breeders are a significant contribution to the overpopulation problem.
I guess I should have specified what I had in mind about the breeders – I was just referring to the fact that they don’t neuter *all* of the puppies, since some go on to be bred for future lines. My bad, I wasn’t clear! Your breeder, though, sounds exactly like how ethical, great breeders are described – such a far cry from the pet stores or websites hawking “cute” puppies for sale regardless of your credit, etc. I’m so glad you got Honey from such a wonderful breeder!
Wow, towns are having businesses handle rescues?? That’s pure insanity, and you’re right – not the best use of resources. I firmly believe we need to put our money where our mouths are and pony up with tax funds delegated toward animal welfare in our communities, including the operation of the shelters that are needed. I sure hope things change soon where you are, that can’t possibly be going well!
You nailed it Cindy. Some how we need to educate the general public in a compassionate way. Also we need a company or organization like Best Friends (big), to lobby. The Pet Industry is a big supporter of puppy mills. I get magazines and it’s a bit shocking how they are “all for” selling masses of dogs. This is a topic with a lot of legs. Emily Larlham says this issue doesn’t exist in Sweden. People there don’t have the throwaway mentality. I really think it’s how you are raised. How you put value on people and animals, core values. If you parents took your dog to the shelter because it was inconvenient, then you might do the same as an adult. Somehow we need more education of young children. There are programs, but just not enough. Again, something for a big organization that has lobbying power already to tackle. Thanks for writing this Cindy. Get’s me thinking of ideas. I hope when I’m an old woman, this issue will have improved!
Hi, Juliet! It’s appalling, and yet not when you think about our society today – but the emphasis is heavily on profit when it comes to the pet industry. And big organizations, such as Best Friends, are often battling multiple issues at any given time. Their resources and funds are split between “causes”, although they do provide a good foundation for many trying to reduce the pet homeless problem. To borrow a military term, I think we need “boots on the ground” more than anything – individuals, groups within communities, and community leaders – to guide us into a more humane situation. It’s nothing simple, though, and that makes it all the more challenging. With dedication and caring, though, I’m sure we can get there!
Agree with most of what y0u said. Cover much of the issue. But don’t underestimate the issue of friends and family breeding endless litters of their family pet and handing them out sterilized. Do a search on Twitter for example for either dog pregnant cat pregnant cat had kittens dog had kittens and you will see there are plenty who don’t really care about pet overpopulation killing and their roles in it. They are either selling the offspring or just breeding and justifying it b/c “they find “good” homes” for them. They refuse to acknowledge that those litters take homes from other animals or that those good homes are not often as good as they want to convince themselves and that those kittens and puppies they hand out unsterilized continue to cycle.
Absent laws, peer pressure is the only way to get to these people. So stop “liking” or “favoriting” their birth announcements and instead send them links about pet overpopulation and where to find low cost spay. That’s what I do. Some thank me. A couple curse me. If I get through to one person, I consider that a success.
I hope others will do the same.. And maybe one by one at least this source adding to the problem will cease.
And one other area you left off. Organized veterinary associations who have been fighting against free and low cost spay neuter for decades. They should be helping and not preventing access to this essential service for those people who would never be their clients anyway. the most recent is what’s happening in alabama.
http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/06/north_alabama_spay-neuter_clin.html
I stumbled on your article and I wanted to complement you on a well thought out piece. I especially wanted to thank you for appreciating that responsible breeders are not the problem with pet overpopulation. They do a great service to the dog world that some of the rescue only folks do not care to acknowledge. In addition to being the keepers of the pure bred dog, they also do a lot on the medical front by making their dogs available for genetic or other testing. They health screen their animals and that gives valuable research information which in some cases help with human medical research and understanding some diseases that affect both dogs and humans.
Reading some of the comments, I was troubled to see people that cannot understand the value of a purposefully bred dog. At one time dogs worked for their humans. They were farm dogs, hunting dogs, guard dogs, etc. They were not bred to wear a cute sweater or spin on a box, not that there is anything wrong with that but that is quite different from a working dog. All of our dogs have a job and if we did not want to have dogs that could do a job (with the breeding that allows them to do that job by having the correct structure, movement, temperament, brains and drive), then we would probably not have a dog at all.
I wish the adopt only crowd could understand that our dogs are not taking any shelter dog’s spot.
I do have one other thing to add to what you wrote. The more research that is done on early spay neuter, the more it seems to cause health issues in dogs, from certain cancers to skeletal issues. I think some time in the not too distant future the recommendation will be to wait until the dog is full grown before altering them. I am not sure what that will do to pet overpopulation issues or how shelters will react if it turns out to be the case..
Thank you! I truly believe we’ll accomplish much more, and be of greater benefit to our furry friends, if we take a rounded, inclusive approach to subjects. While well-meaning, a narrow, intolerant perspective can backfire, and I’m afraid we see that happen too often in the rescue industry.
Yes, we need responsible, high-quality breeders, and anyone who loves dogs must inevitably acknowledge their tremendous value. I’ve never worked in a high=kill shelter, and I’m sure those who have might find it tougher to consider breeding, no matter the quality, after having witnessed so many needless deaths. But bashing good breeders is not going to help anyone, least of all dogs.
It’s going to be interesting to see where the subject of neutering leads…I await the research results, too. Undoubtedly, if they find it’s not good for the dogs, it will pose yet another challenge for all those working with homeless pets. Let’s hope we can find some way to balance this all out!
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