February 28th is World Spay Day, an international day of action to promote the sterilization of pets, as well as community cats and dogs, in an effort to save animals’ lives. Created as Spay Day USA by the Doris Day Animal League in 1995, World Spay Day takes place each year on the last Tuesday of February. World Spay Day has been recognized by nearly 70 countries, shining a spotlight on the power of affordable, accessible, spaying and neutering to save the lives of cats and dogs who might otherwise be put down in shelters or killed on the street.
Why is Spaying and Neutering Important?
Spaying and neutering slows population growth. Without spay and neuter initiatives, homeless animals are often euthanized, killed, neglected, or die of diseases. Sterilization is important for the management of overpopulation and disease control.
Spaying and neutering curbs unwelcomed hormone-related behaviors. Females no longer have a heat cycle, which eliminates the attraction and approach of unwanted attention by male dogs.
Spaying and neutering reduces health risks for the animals, themselves. There are a number of potentially fatal health conditions and infectious diseases that animals can develop as a result of breeding. These risks are eliminated when the animal is spayed or neutered.
Spaying and neutering is a cost-effective solution. By spaying or neutering your pet, you save the cost of caring for future litters and reduce the likelihood of your pet needing veterinary treatment for injuries occurring when roaming or fighting.
