The phenomenon of overpopulation in companion animals refers to the large number of abandoned domestic cats and dogs. Iguanas and other exotic animals are also frequently abandoned by owners due to their size, and to the difficulty in caring for them. In the United States alone, between 5-7,000,000 animals are brought to shelters each year. 3-4,000,000 of those animals are subsequently euthanized. This is due to the limited number of adoptions and the fact that most shelters do not have the resources for the long-term care of these animals. As a result, most humane societies, animal shelters and rescue groups urge animal caregivers to have their animals spayed or neutered to prevent the births of unwanted and accidental litters.
Read more about Overpopulation In Companion Animals: Effects Upon Animals, Purebred Preference, Organizational Impact, Global Effects
Famous quotes containing the words companion and/or animals:
“The Indian remarked as before, “Must have hard wood to cook moose-meat,” as if that were a maxim, and proceeded to get it. My companion cooked some in California fashion, winding a long string of the meat round a stick and slowly turning it in his hand before the fire. It was very good. But the Indian, not approving of the mode, or because he was not allowed to cook it his own way, would not taste it.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
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—George Orwell (1903–1950)