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Each year, millions of dogs and cats are euthanized in U.S. shelters, due to a lack of resources and space available to house them until new homes can be found. Millions more are abandoned in both rural and urban areas, left to starve and suffer. Most of these animals will die before they have the chance to find loving homes, but before they do, they will reproduce, further contributing to the already rampant animal overpopulation epidemic. Their offspring are doomed from the moment they are born, innocent victims of society's failure to require or provide accessible spay and neuter services.
In response to this crisis, The Washington Animal Rescue League provides free spay and neuter services to income-qualifying individuals in the Washington, D.C. area. By spaying and neutering these animals, the League is working to reduce the number of unwanted litters born; the first step in lowering the number of animals unnecessarily destroyed each year.
Monthly free feral cat spay/neuter days and a free community pit bull sterilization program are among the shelter’s key programs addressing two of the most serious animal overpopulation problems in any urban environment.
Are there really millions of animals euthanized each year? That seems like a lot.
While there are no exact statistics, experts estimate that the number of animals euthanized in the U.S. each year could be in excess of twelve million, based on a number of facts:
- For every human born, seven puppies and kittens are born.
- One female cat and her unsterilized offspring can produce as many as 420,000 kittens in seven years.
- In just six years, one female dog and her unsterilized offspring can produce as many as 67,000 puppies.
Who is eligible for free spay and neuter services?
Qualified, low-income individuals living in the District of Columbia may have their pet(s) spayed or neutered at the League's Medical Center at no cost. In addition, the procedure will include a routine medical examination.
When may I bring my pet to be spayed/neutered?
Spay and neuter procedures are by appointment only in order to accommodate as many animals as possible. Please call the Medical Center at (202) 726-CARE (2273) to schedule an appointment. |
