Is there an overpopulation of pets?
Overpopulation in domestic pets is the surplus of pets, such as cats, dogs, and exotic animals. In the United States, six to eight million animals are brought to shelters each year, of which an estimated three to four million are subsequently euthanized, including 2.7 million considered healthy and adoptable.
Why is pet overpopulation such a big issue?
Pet “overpopulation” encompasses two primary factors: (1) allowing cats and dogs to reproduce with little chance to find homes for the offspring and (2) pets being relinquished by owners who can no longer keep their animals, or who no longer want them.
How is overpopulation of animals a problem?
Lack of food occurs when there is a breakdown in the food chain due to overpopulation. This unnatural balance damages the ecosystem and food chain. When too many of the same animal compete for a similar food source, many die from starvation. Others are forced to leave their natural habitats in search of food.
Is pet overpopulation a big problem?
Pet overpopulation is a real issue. A primary factor that plays into pet overpopulation is allowing cats and dogs to reproduce with little chance of finding homes for their offspring. Another issue is when owners relinquish their pets because they either no longer want them or can care for them.
Is dog overpopulation a myth?
The most compelling information suggesting that pet overpopulation is a myth comes out of a study jointly commissioned by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Maddie’s Fund and the Ad Council. It concluded that every year about 21 million families bring a new dog or cat into their homes.
Do breeders contribute to overpopulation?
Some owners decide that the only way to achieve the “perfect dog” is to purchase one from a breeder or a pet store. These owners are unintentionally contributing to the overpopulation problem. One of the main causes of overpopulation is over breeding. Another cause of overpopulation is not spaying/neutering your pet.
Why you should never buy a dog from a breeder?
Genetic defects are rampant in any breeding scenario. Reckless breeding and the infatuation with “pure” bloodlines lead to inbreeding. This causes painful and life-threatening disabilities in “purebred” dogs, including crippling hip dysplasia, blindness, deafness, heart defects, skin problems, and epilepsy.