Cut
Bank Pioneer Press
October 15, 2008
Cut Bank, MT - October 6, 2008 - The Cut Bank Animal Shelter received a $900.00 grant to increase its number of low-income spay/neuter operations by 100%. Cut Bank Animal Shelter’s 4-year-old pet sterilization program successfully alters more than 28 animals per year on average to proactively fight the area’s dire pet overpopulation problem.
The program offers $20.00 spay/neuter coupons for pets of low-income families residing in the Cut Bank. The Cut Bank Animal Shelter’s goal is to reduce pet population.
'We are excited to increase the total number of spay/neuter surgeries at our organization, said Joe Gauthier, Animal Control Officer. 'We hope that our spay/neuter program will soon become a model for other agencies across the country.'
'Cut Bank Animal Shelter’s Spay/Neuter program is a great example of taking the initiative to improve the local community, ' said Susana Dell Maddalena, Executive Director of PetSmart Charities. 'Targeted programs like these are the key to successful, low-cost spay/neuter in local communities. Cumulatively, they are making a huge impact on pet overpopulation nationwide.'
About Cut Bank Animal
Shelter
Cut Bank Animal Shelter was founded in 1972 to help end pet overpopulation
in Cut Bank. We are dedicated to lowering the numbers of animals needlessly
destroyed due to overpopulation by promoting the spaying and neutering
of ALL companion animals. We will endeavor relentlessly to enhance the
bond between humans and animals through adoption, education and services
for responsible, compassionate pet ownership. For
more information on the Cut Bank Animal Shelter and its programs, call
873-4624 or visit www.cutbankairport.org/cbshelter or email cutbankanimalshelter@hotmail.com.
About PetSmart Charities
PetSmart Charities, Inc. Is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets,
raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy
relationships between people and pets. Since 1994, PetSmart Charities
has funded more than $70 million in grants and programs benefitting animal
welfare organization, and through its in-store pet adoption program, has
helped save the lives of more than 3.5 million pets. To learn more about
how PetSmart Charities is working to help find a lifelong, loving home
for every pet, visit www.petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS.hat
do "spay" and "neuter" really mean?
Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.
Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.
Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.
Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory.
Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered.
Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite.
Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.
Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks.
Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals. Humane societies and shelters have to kill approximately four million cats and dogs each year, although many of them are healthy and adoptable, simply because there are not enough good homes
Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs.
Some stray animals also scare away or kill birds and wildlife.
Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when one considers its benefits. It's a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of more unwanted animals.
6-8 million (HSUS estimate)
Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year:
3-4 million (HSUS estimate)
Number of cats and dogs adopted from shelters each year:
3-4 million (HSUS estimate)
Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters each year:
Between 600,000 and 750,000 -- 30% of dogs and 2-5% of cats entering shelters
(HSUS estimate)
Number of animal shelters in the United States:
Between 4,000 and 6,000 (HSUS estimate)
Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred:
25% (HSUS estimate)
Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3
Average number of kittens in a feline litter: 4-6
Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2
Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6-10
Unless otherwise indicated, statistics provided by
The National Council on Pet Population, Study and Policy.
Updated July 7, 2008
Courtesy of Humane Society of the United States
Courtesy of Humane Society of the United States
