The Ontario SPCA Kent Branch urges the public to fix their pets
The pet overpopulation is at crisis levels in Ontario. The Ontario
SPCA Kent Branch encourages the public to fix their pets and help reduce the number of
unwanted pets.
Tens of thousands of dogs and cats end up homeless on the street or orphaned every year.
Having your pet spayed or neutered will directly address this problem.
Spay/Neutering pets reduces shelter intake!
The Ontario SPCA opened three high volume spay/neuter services across the province. Since
their inception the Society has fixed close to 40,000 animals. As a result, in 2012, the Ontario
SPCA saw their cat intake in their shelters reduced by 18%!
Pet overpopulation also contributes to the cycle of neglect and abuse!
The Ontario SPCA responds to on average over 16, 000 animal cruelty complaints every year.
Protecting your pet, by having them spayed or neutered, can help reduce this number and
make Chatham-Kent a safer place for our pets.
Spaying/neutering pets may also reduce health risks and physical stress, and improve behaviour
in your pet. Fixed pets are also less likely to roam, reducing the risk of injury, accident and loss.
Some myths & truths about fixing your pet:
• MYTH: Fixing my pet will make him/her overweight. FACT: Fixing your pet should not
result in weight gain if your pet receives a healthy diet and sufficient exercise.
• MYTH: Fixing my pet interferes with nature. FACT: Domesticated dogs and cats are
completely dependent on humans. It is our responsibility as their guardians to ensure
that the number of companion animals born does not exceed the number of available
homes.
• MYTH: All animals have the right to have one litter. FACT: Spaying a female cat or
dog before she goes into heat even once will greatly reduce her risk of developing
mammary, ovarian and uterine cancer.
“Pet overpopulation is too high; there aren’t enough shelters to house all of the unwanted
animals. Spaying or neutering your pet can directly address this issue,” said Kim Sonneveld,
Branch Manager. “It is our duty as responsible pet owners to help lower the number of
unwanted litters in our back alleys, dumpsters and our sheltering facilities.”
To contribute to the spay/neuter effort, consider Spaying it Forward by donating the average
price of a spay/neuter procedure to the Ontario SPCA Kent Branch. Those who donate through
this initiative will receive a special “Fix Your Pet” keychain. To do so, please visit our Spay it
Forward website.
Fixyourpet.ca, it’s the kindest thing you can do.
