It is no secret that many shelters are in crisis mode these days. Most have run out of room and have paused intakes. Prices are rising – and that includes pet food, litter and basic supplies. The cost of vet care has risen as well.
Despite the circumstances, rescues are still showing up determined to make a difference. There are days we feel defeated because with every adoption it seems like there are five more intakes waiting at the door.
There is a simple way to stop the madness: neuter and spay. It is a simple concept, easy to grasp, but somehow there are still people out there that just don’t get it. Every one of us has the ability to make a difference, and that difference starts with having your pets neutered and spayed. It can’t be an afterthought. It has to be a priority.
A female cat can reproduce at just 4 months old. A female cat can get pregnant while she is nursing babies – meaning she can have back-to-back litters. A female cat can have four to five litters a year. The average size of a litter can be four to six kittens and possibly more.
Do the math. The numbers are staggering. Cats are reproducing faster than we can find homes.
The bottom line is that there are not enough homes for all of them. What happens to all of those kittens? Many will not survive. They will never get to know the human touch. They end up living out in the elements with no food, shelter or vet care, and they will continue to reproduce. They did not choose this life. It was chosen for them by the people who refuse to neuter and spay.
While these words may seem harsh, they are a reality. It doesn’t have to be like this. Together we can make a difference for those that have no voice. Neuter and spay saves lives. You can be a part of the solution or you can continue to be a part of the problem. I am hoping you will be a part of the solution and make a difference in the life of an animal. Please, neuter and spay your pets.
Thank you for your continued support and, as always, thank you for reading our column.
The Ark Animal Sanctuary is located at 102 Old Woodstock Rd., Houlton. Visit them online at arkanimalsanctuary.org/home, call 532-7387 or check out their Facebook page.
