Dog's Worst Friend

Dog's Worst Friend

Imagine you are 3 years old and you were put into an orphanage because your parents decided that you were too inconvenient for them. Then the orphanage has to "execute" you because they do not have enough room for you, and no one wants to adopt you. This happens to thousands of dogs and cats every day. Euthanasia is defined as a quiet, painless death (Houghton). This term is just another way to say execution, and it helps us irresponsible human beings sleep better at night. Overpopulation of dogs and cats is the number one reason so many are homeless and end up euthanized. The National Humane Society estimates that 6-8 million cats and dogs enter a shelter per year and 3-4 million of them are euthanized (HSUS). Overpopulation is a result of irresponsible pet ownership.

One way irresponsible pet owners caused overpopulation, is neglecting to have their pet spayed or neutered. In seven years, one cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats, and in six years, one dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs (HSUS). Neglecting to spay or neuter is a major cause of overpopulation. When one dog has an unexpected litter of five puppies, the owners will become overwhelmed and give the puppies away or bring them to a shelter. Puppies are not usually euthanized, but shelters usually have to euthanize older dogs to make room for puppies. It is ironic how the number one cause of overpopulation is also the easiest way to prevent it.

Another way irresponsible pet owners cause overpopulation, is not having the proper knowledge to make an educated decision on what kind of dog to get and how much work it takes to raise one. Many people will buy a cute little puppy then it grows up and is not so cute anymore. Owners lose interest, neglect the dog, and decide that it is not useful anymore. Then they take the dog to the shelter and leave it there thinking that someone will adopt it and everyone will be happy. The reality is, the dog will most likely be killed and the owners will go on convincing themselves that they did the right thing. Many of these situations occur when someone selects a breed that is not compatible with his or her style of living.

There are many ways overpopulation can be prevented. Future pet owners should always research what kind of breeds would fit their lifestyle, consider adopting from a shelter, never buy from a pet store, and plan on spaying or neutering