Paper #3 Outline

Thesis: I believe that spaying and neutering your pets will benefit your pet’s health, behavior and community.

Point One: Reduce the number of homeless pets killed

·       In the U.S., there are an estimated 6 - 8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. (humanesociety.org)

• The animals on the street are not “street” dogs, but dogs we have bread
• Nationwide more than 3.7 million healthy, adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters annually. (americanhumane.org)
• Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100 percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats. (humanesociety.org)

Point Two: Improve your pet's health

• Extend the life of your pet. Neutered male dogs live 18% longer than un-neutered male dogs and spayed female dogs live 23% longer than unspayed female dogs. (humanesociety.org)
• Male pets that are neutered eliminate their chances of getting testicular cancer, and it is thought they have lowered rates of prostate cancer. (avma.org)
• The odds of breast cancer and dangerous uterine infections in females and prostate problems. (paws.org)
• Neutering your male pet can also lessen its risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland) and testicular cancer. (avma.org)

·       Messy heat cycles in females and attracting unwanted males. (paws.org)

Point Three: Reduce unruly behavior

·       Frustration in resisting the natural urge to mate. Your companion will be less distracted, more easily trained, and a more contented member of your family. (paws.org)

·       The animal's need to roam in search of a mate, decreasing the chances that your pet will become lost, get into fights with other animals or be hit by a car. (paws.org)

·       The tendency to bite. However, your pet will still be protective of his home and family even after being altered. Aggression is different from protectiveness. (paws.org)

·       Spraying, wailing, marking territory, or making inappropriate sexual approaches toward people or objects. (paws.org)

Point Four: Save on the cost of pet care - Spaying/Neutering doesn’t cost much

·       The cost of your pet's spay/neuter surgery is far less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. (aspca.org)

·       PAWS offers low-cost spay or neuter surgeries. (paws.org)

·       Low cost clinics in your area. (paws.org)

• Every February PAWS organizes a community-wide Spay Day where a number of veterinary clinics lower their fees to promote spaying and neutering. On Spay Day there are many options for people who do not qualify as low-income, as well as options for low-income individuals. (paws.org)

Conclusion: