Overpopulation in Companion Animals

The phenomenon of overpopulation in companion animals refers to the large number of abandoned domestic cats and dogs. Iguanas and other exotic animals are also frequently abandoned by owners due to their size, and to the difficulty in caring for them. In the United States alone, between 5-7,000,000 animals are brought to shelters each year. 3-4,000,000 of those animals are subsequently euthanized. This is due to the limited number of adoptions and the fact that most shelters do not have the resources for the long-term care of these animals. 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.

Read more about Overpopulation In Companion Animals:  Effects Upon Animals, Purebred Preference, Organizational Impact, Global Effects

Famous quotes containing the words companion and/or animals:

    I endeavor not to conceal that I believe there is a great mixture of desire in the passion which is called love—or rather, without any far-fetched strain on words, it may be called the companion of love.
    Sarah Fielding (1710–1768)

    Researchers, with science as their authority, will be able to cut [animals] up, alive, into small pieces, drop them from a great height to see if they are shattered by the fall, or deprive them of sleep for sixteen days and nights continuously for the purposes of an iniquitous monograph.... “Animal trust, undeserved faith, when at last will you turn away from us? Shall we never tire of deceiving, betraying, tormenting animals before they cease to trust us?”
    Colette [Sidonie Gabrielle Colette] (1873–1954)