Backgrounder

on
Sterilizing your Pets
Spaying and Neutering is important for many reasons, the main one being to save the animals
from overpopulation and homelessness; as well as to prevent them from suffering and
struggling on the streets, or from being euthanized in animal shelters.
What is Spaying and Neutering? Spaying, also known as and Ovariohysterectomy is where the
ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are removed from the animal, to make them sterile and
unable to reproduce. Neutering, also known as Orchiectomy, is where the testes are removed
from the animal, making him unable to reproduce, as well as reducing the breeding behaviors
from the male. Spaying and neutering is primarily the sterilization option choice made by
veterinarians. although it is not the only option there are some Surgical alternatives to
traditional spaying and neutering, such as a Hysterectomy, vasectomy, and overectomy.
Although it is very common today, spaying and neutering did not become widely available or
accessible for cats and dogs until the 1930s. Before the 1970s there were very few shelters that
existed, this meaning that the ones that were around became over run with strays very quickly,
and euthanasia rates plateaued at 100 cats and dogs killed per 1,000 people. The first low-cost
spay/neuter clinic was opened in LA, and this started the discussion across the country about
the benefits of spaying and neutering. In 1972, the ASPCA required sterilization for all adopted
animals. Today, the euthanasia rate decreased to 12.5 dogs and cats per 1,000 people.
Current Status of Spaying and Neutering is looking ahead: scientists are searching for an even
cheaper, and easier solution to spay and neuter pets. The Alliance for Contraception in Cats and
Dogs, is researching non-surgical sterilization methods, such as shots, that would stop egg and
sperm production. There is still a demand for spaying and neutering, and many owners are
sterilizing their pets yet many do not. Even today, millions of animals are still being euthanized
in shelters every year.
The consequences of spaying and neutering are: the effects of sterilizing may cause a change
the hormones that affect your pets’ overall health. Such as, issues with urinary incontinence
and some types of cancer, as well as the other risk is complications with general anesthesia.
Background Source Resources:
American Veterinary Medical Association: Spaying and Neutering
https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/spay-neuter.aspx
WebMD: Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
https://pets.webmd.com/reasons-spay-neuter-pet
PETA: Spay and Neuter
https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/overpopulation/spay-neuter/