The ISPCA is urging pet owners to spay or neuter their pets as early as possible to reduce the high number of unwanted cats and dogs. The charity is asking the public to consider the positive benefits encouraging pet owners to talk to their vet as soon as possible.
Recent statistics released by the ISPCA reveals that animal cruelty is at an all-time high and some of the complaints investigated by ISPCA Inspectors could have easily been prevented by neutering or spaying their pets. Last year was a record year for the ISPCA in terms of Inspectors dealing with the indiscriminate breeding of cats, with almost 350 felines seized by or surrendered to ISPCA Inspectors. Sixty-nine cats and kittens were removed from one property alone and many of these appalling situations could have been prevented if owners had been responsible by neutering or spaying their pets.
ISPCA CEO Dr Andrew Kelly said: “In nearly all cases, spaying and neutering has overwhelmingly positive benefits but it also prevents accidental litters of kittens or puppies which, can also be challenging in finding good homes. It is absolutely vital that pet owners’ play their part by spaying and neutering their pets and this will go a long way in preventing unwanted litters of puppies or kittens from being born in the first place”.
Dr Kelly added: “Our three animal Centres’ are consistently full to capacity and with very limited resources, we have had to use private boarding kennels to help the number of animals waiting to come in, once space becomes available. We are urging pet owners to contact their vet today and get the procedure done. Don’t wait to do what’s best for your pet”.
Best-selling author and model Rosanna Davison, author and vet Pete Wedderburn is supporting the ISPCA’s message highlighting the benefits of neutering and spaying. Rosanna said: “We can all make a difference by being responsible and doing the right thing for our pets by getting them neutered as early as possible. You will be giving your pet(s) the best chance of a longer, healthier and happier life”.
SpayAware has the continued support of Veterinary Ireland, with member vets displaying posters and fact sheets in animal clinics and surgeries across the country. Posters are also being displayed in animal welfare centres, local authority offices, dog pounds, pet stores and other community venues will be available for download soon:
The ISPCA is also recommends anyone thinking about getting a new pet to give a rescued animal a chance by adopting a cat or dog from the ISPCA or another animal welfare charity. All ISPCA rescued cats and dogs will already be spayed or neutered and puppies/kittens will be when they are old enough. For more information about adopting a dog from the ISPCA, visit https://www.ispca.ie/rehoming/dogs_rehoming/
Download the Spay Aware Dog Q&A pdf
Download the Spay Aware Cat Q&A pdf
Some facts about the benefits of spaying and neutering your pet:
Download the Better to Neuter Poster.pdf
Talk to your vet to see what is best for your pet
Research was carried out by the ISPCA on the Perceptions of Responsible Dog Ownership in Ireland*. Respondents were asked to indicate a list of scenarios on the necessity and health impacts of neutering, and the appropriate age and here are the findings:
*The report was compiled by Catherine Devitt, Locksley Messam, Andrew Kelly & Alison Hanlon in May 2016 and based on a study funded by the Irish Research Council’s New Foundation Scheme. The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Irish Research Council. The authors express their gratitude to those who contributed to piloting the survey, and all respondents who took the time to commence and complete the survey.
Read the full report here
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