The Central Pennsylvania Humane Society is joining with other local and national animal groups in February to help curb the pet overpopulation in Blair County.
“Spay Days” is a nationally observed February event that places emphasis on the importance of spaying or neutering pets. CPHS will use the month-long occasion to raise funds to help those who otherwise couldn’t afford to pay for the procedures and to educate those about the benefits of spaying and neutering. CPHS can provide vouchers for low-income animal owners and work with area vets to help assure that anyone, regardless of financial status, is able to have their pet spayed or neutered.
“We know that all responsible pet owners understand the need to control the pet population. The answer is spaying/neutering,” says CPHS Executive Director Dave Hopkins.
The ASPCA says pet altering has a variety of great benefits. Spaying females stops the “heat cycle” and eliminates unwelcome visits by males. It also greatly reduces the chances for breast cancer or uterine disease in females or genital problems in males.
Neutering male dogs reduces their urge to roam and stops male cats from “marking” their territory. Both sexes benefit from removing discomfort, distress and distraction and free the pets to enjoy time with their owners according to experts.
According to information retrieved from the Humane Society of the United States website, female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their reproductive organs, and male dogs and cats are neutered by removing their testicles. In both cases, the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia.
Depending on your pet’s age, size and health, he or she will stay at the veterinarian’s office for a few hours or a few days. Depending on the procedure, the pet may need stitches removed after a few days.
Most pets can be spayed or neutered between two and five months old, before they are sexually mature. Animal experts say owners should consult with their veterinarians to determine the best time for the procedure.
Everyone benefits from the procedure.
Pet owners who have their animals spayed or neutered are rewarded in a number of ways. The procedures make pets better and more affectionate companions; neutering of cats makes them less likely to spray and mark their territory; and it makes pets less likely to bite.
For the animals, it allows them to live longer and healthier lives. It also can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat; eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when the pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle; and neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.
The community also benefits. Spaying and neutering programs decrease the irresponsible breeding, which contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks. It also control stray pets and homeless animals who get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs.
Left unchecked, the animal population mushrooms at an alarming rate. For example, one pair of cats – a male and a female if not fixed and none of their offspring is either – in just 7 years they can theoretically produce up to 420,000 cats.
There are four places pet owners can look once they decide the spay/neuter programs are to their advantage.
Owners are encouraged to contact the CPHS at 942-5402, SPAY/USA at 1-800-248-SPAY, the local veterinarian or the Pets 911 website.
CPHS “Spay Days” 2003 will be headquartered in the Logan Valley Mall the on Saturday, February 22nd and Sunday, February 23rd with an information booth/display near the food court. Animal lovers are encouraged to stop by and pick up information on spay/neuter procedures, make donations or apply for the free surgeries.
In addition, CPHS will be placing special “sponsor stick-ups” in a number of area establishments. Customers will be encouraged to make a donation and sign the small yellow “Spay Days 2003” sheets that will be posted throughout the participating stores/restaurants/bars to show support for the effort. Pet owners/lovers can facilitate the local program by sponsoring an animal’s surgery. Any dollar amount will help according to CPHS.
