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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday June 16, 2007 - 25 Pet overpopulation a real problem P et overpopulation is a problem. In Oakville, the Oakville & District Humane Society does its best to return lost animals to their families and to find homes for those left behind. However, every year in Ontario tens of thousands of animals are euthanized because they never find a home. One female cat with its offspring can produce 420,000 cats, if allowed to breed for seven years. It takes slightly less time for one female dog and her offspring to produce 67,000 dogs. While the numbers are remarkable, the key to resolving the problem is quite simple -- responsible pet owners spaying or neutering their pets. Spaying (the removal of the ovaries and uterus in a female animal) and neutering (castration of a male animal) are surgical procedures performed by qualified veterinarians on animals reaching sexual maturity. Cats and dogs are ready for the procedure by the age of six months. Neither operation results in an animal gaining weight and becoming lazy, improving its disposition or experiencing personality changes -- misconceptions often inaccurately associated with the procedure -- although some behaviours may be affected by the operation. "There are many benefits to spaying or neutering your pet," stated Oakville & District Humane Society Community Outreach & Education Manager Heather White. "The most significant impact is on the homeless pet population, but there are also other worthwhile benefits." Other advantages include: · Reducing the likelihood of certain cancers and infections. · Animals that are spayed or neutered are less likely to roam. · Spayed/neutered dogs receive a reduction in the cost of their annual Town of Oakville license fee. · Spayed or neutered animals are less likely to get into fights with other animals "Many people would like to think that the offspring that their pet produces will find a great home," added White, "when in the case of dogs, 50 per cent will not be in the original home by the time they are a year old. Many will be given away or abandoned." The Oakville & District Humane Society often becomes the shelter for these animals in need of a place to live. More than 5,000 animals a year find themselves at the society, where many remain unclaimed by owners. While the society strives to find homes for the vast majority of these animals, sometimes finding the right match can take time. "We try to place these animals in homes most suited to what we know of the animal's history, personality and behaviour. We want each adoption to work right the first time, to prevent a return to the shelter. Happy animals and pet owners are a priority," noted White. Adult animals adopted through the Oakville & District Humane Society are spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter. The society also provides financial assistance with the cost of the surgery when a kitten or puppy adopted from the shelter is old enough for the procedure. When the surgery is completed, the new owner can return to the shelter with the bill, and we will mail them a portion of the cost of the surgery. Interested in doing your part to reduce pet overpopulation? Speak with your veterinarian about spaying/neutering. To learn more about adopting a shelter animal, call the Oakville & District Humane Society at 905-845-1551. McDonald's and Oak-Land Ford Lincoln co-present the Sunday, June 17th www.dealsonmealsauction.com Father's Day-Rain or Shine 5km Run · 5km Power Walk · 3kmWalk 1km Fun Run The Greatest Local Dining Auction Event ever in on NOW! Bid for Father's Day Breakfast BLT on a bun and fresh fruit salad $5.00/person Sponsored by: Catered Fare, Longo's, Maple Leaf Foods, Tasty Chip Bring Dad for Breakfast! GREAT DEALS on your favourite restaurants VISIT www.dealsonmealsauction.com www.otmhclassic.com Contact: Aleta Mayer 905-845-2571, ext. 4351 Oakville Oak-land Ford Lincoln