overpopulation

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The phenomenon of overpopulation in companion animals refers to the large, growing number of homeless domestic cats and dogs. In the United States alone, between 3 and 4 million cats and dogs are euthanized each year because no one steps forward to adopt them.^[1] As a result, most humane societies, animal shelters and rescue groups urge animal caregivers to have their animals spayed or neutered to prevent the births of unwanted and accidental litters.

Effects upon the animals

Where there is pet over population, dogs and cats suffer from neglect and abandonment, deplorable living conditions, insufficient or nonexistent veterinary care, and substandard veterinary practices. Such animals are often victimized by people who treat them inhumanely, due to poverty, lack of knowledge of how to provide care, absence of animal welfare legislation and enforcement, apathy, unsubstantiated beliefs, and intentional cruelty.

Purebred preference

One contributing factor in companion animal homelessness is cultural preference for young, purebred animals. Some people prefer purebred, young, healthy animals, and choose to purchase animals of this description, often at significant cost, from breeders. The fact that breeders continue to manufacture animals for profit while millions of animals are killed in shelters each year is a source of chagrin for many animal rights groups.

Recognizing the high demand for purebred animals, some unscrupulous people engage in backyard breeding or operate puppy mills, practices where people breed purebred animals for profit, without concern for the health or welfare of any of the animals involved. Such animals may suffer from the effects of inbreeding, and have chronic health problems for life, or even die early. These animals may be sold through pet stores or directly from the breeders themselves.

People seeking purebred animals may not realize that a homeless animal adopted from a shelter has many advantages: often the shelter will have performed all necessary veterinary procedures, such as spaying or neutering, vaccination, deworming, microchipping, etc. Also, the personality of a kitten or puppy is not always an indicator of how the animal will behave in adulthood. Many shelter animals have reached adulthood and their personalities are apparent, allowing the would-be caregiver to select an animal with a personality that suits them.

Global effects

Companion animal overpopulation is a major concern to animal welfare and animal rights groups. Companion animal overpopulation can also be an ecological concern. It is also a financial problem: capturing, impounding and eventual euthanasia costs taxpayers and private agencies millions of dollars each year.^[2]

References

See also

• Human overpopulation

External links

• National Council on Pet Population
• American Partnership for Pets (group promoting responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter)
• Spay or Neuter Your Pet (Charity Guide article on spay/neuter and pet overpopulation)
• Best Friends Animal Society's "No More Homeless Pets" program information and online forum