Did you know that 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized by shelters in the U.S. each year (Humane Society of the U.S. estimates)?

In the Atlanta area alone, 90,000 dogs and cats are put to sleep yearly.

That’s because in one year a fertile cat can produce 18 kittens and a fertile dog can produce 20 puppies. Then, when these kittens and puppies grow up to be fertile adults and are not spayed or neutered, the cycle continues and the number of unwanted pets grows exponentially.

What are animal shelters to do? They are labeled as being cruel for euthanizing unwanted pets. The blame for this problem lies not with the shelters but with every one of us.

February is National Spay/Neuter Month. Georgia Heartland Humane Society, which focuses on rescuing and helping abandoned and abused animals, will be providing spay/neuter literature to Wal-Mart (Newnan) shoppers on Spay Day 2008 (Feb. 26).

We will also be providing information on local low cost spay/neuter clinics. Volunteers will be available to answer questions about spay/neuter and issues related to animal welfare.

If you have a pet that has not been spayed or neutered, please have this done. Stop this vicious cycle now. Local humane societies can offer advice and help. Please call them.

For those unwanted and abandoned pets that are out there already, I urge you to become a foster parent for a dog or cat or, if circumstances prevent you from being a foster parent, give of your time and resources. Call a humane society today and get involved.

Sheryl Tomberlin

Peachtree City, Ga.

[Tomberlin is a volunteer for Georgia Heartland Humane Society.]

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