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·“BE KIND TO ANIMALS” WEEK, PART 4:
TURNING THE TIDE ON PET OVERPOPULATION
Consider the national statistics on animal overpopulation for a moment:
--There are approximately 66.2 million cats and 58 million dogs in the United States.
--Approximately 8 to 12 million animals enter shelters every year.
--The national adoption average for shelter animals is only 25 to 35%.
--The national average for animals being euthanized due to lack of homes is approximately 30 to 60 % depending on the geographical region.
[Sources include the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, American Humane Association, Humane Society of the United States and the American Kennel Club.]
The figures are grim, but it doesn’t have to be this way. As part four of our series celebrating “Be Kind to Animals Week,” HSSA presents some examples of ground-breaking programs designed to turn the tide on pet overpopulation.
- PROGRESSIVE SPAY AND NEUTERING PROGRAMS: The HSSA spay and neuter clinic provides approximately 10,000 low-cost surgeries every year, more than any other public or
private source in southern Arizona. In addition to sterilizing every animal adopted from HSSA, the clinic provides public surgeries and sterilization initiatives that target specific populations. Aside from our long-standing “trap-neuter-return” program for feral cats, the clinic and shelter began the highly successful “Payday for Pitbulls” in 2007. This unique program targets one of the most over-breed, often relinquished breeds in southern Arizona by providing financial incentive for the owners to sterilize their dogs. This program was coupled with a pitbull-specific adoption program and educational efforts to change public perception about this often maligned breed. (HSSA was the only animal organization in the state to accept for adoption some of the pitbulls rescued from the dogfighting ring busted by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in February.) Due to these and many other innovative programs, HSSA’s Medical Director, Karter Neal, DVM, was recognized as the 2008 Young Practitioner of the Year by the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association.
- OUTREACH IN THE VETERINARY COMMUNITY: HSSA is also leading the way in building cooperative relationships throughout the veterinary community. In 2007, our clinic introduced its “Vet Talk” newsletter which is directly mailed to veterinary clinics throughout our community. We also introduced the first continuing education events for veterinarians by offering a two-hour seminar entitled “Cruelty At Your Front Door.” This lecture helped local vets understand their obligation to report animal cruelty under Arizona state law and recognize the conditions when such reporting would be necessary. HSSA vets are also on the forefront of combating animal cruelty by providing on-site services to animal victims rescued by enforcement agencies attached to the Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona.
Additional information on these programs and all of HSSA’s clinic and shelter services can be found online at www.hssaz.org; or by contacting the shelter at (520) 327-6088. Our spay / neuter appointment line can be reached as (520) 881-0321. |
“BE KIND TO ANIMALS” WEEK, PART 1
“BE KIND TO ANIMALS” WEEK, PART 2
“BE KIND TO ANIMALS” WEEK, PART 3
“BE KIND TO ANIMALS” WEEK, PART 5
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