February 1st marks the beginning of National Spay and Neuter Awareness Month (NSNAM). Originally founded by The Doris Day Animal Foundation, this month provides an opportunity for pet owners, veterinarians and those in the animal health world to spread the word; a time to remember how we can help mitigate the negative effects of over-population, specifically on rehoming centres and animal shelters.
The Scottish SPCA shelters care for thousands of abandoned and neglected animals each year, so we caught up with SSPCA superintendent, Sharon Comrie, to find out more about why we need awareness-raising efforts for this critical cause.
“If owners don’t neuter their animals, this then results in unwanted litters of puppies or kittens that the owner doesn’t want to care for or find homes for themselves. Sadly, many of these unwanted litters end up in our care due to being handed over to us by overwhelmed owners or, in the worst cases, abandoned. To prevent unwanted pregnancies, we recommend that people get their pet neutered and microchipped so if they do go missing, they can be reunited with their owners quickly.”
Neutering your pets could also allow them to lead longer and healthier lives, as Sharon says, “spaying can prevent uterine infections and mammary cancer in female pets. Mammary cancer is fatal in about 50% of dogs and 90% of cats, spaying before first season offers the best protection. Neutering your male pet can protect them against testicular cancer and, in many cases, neutering your male dog also prevents unsociable behaviour such as marking territory or wandering away from home.”
If you do find an abandoned or neglected animal call the SSPCA helpline on 03000 999 999, or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. And don’t forget to share, retweet and spread the word in February for International Spay and Neuter Awareness Month.