Prevent pet overpopulation, abuse by spaying and neutering your animals

February is Spay and Neuter Your Pet month across the nation and many veterinary clinics are offering discounts during this time of year.

The unwanted pet population is not under control by any means, so it takes an all-out effort to address this issue and help cut down the neglect and cruelty that leads to misery for so many pets.

The stories go on and on about pet neglect that soon becomes a form of abuse when these animals are allowed to reproduce, bringing unwanted pet population to the forefront.

Animal shelters can only handle so many and with the kitten season upon us, an all-out effort is eminent.

If you watch television to any extent, you certainly must have seen the national humane societies showing the plight of the animals left for someone else to deal with.

Some of the scenes are sickening and I have fought back tears a time or two just watching the pitiful pain on the faces of those rescued and needing a home.

The only sure fired way to ensure the pet population is brought into perspective is to spay and neuter the family pets.

Animals continually running loose are indications that somebody isn't overseeing them properly. Containment isn't that difficult. A good kennel, fenced yard, high line run all work to keep a pet safe at home.

However, I see a lot of dogs in neighborhoods that live in kennels 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no break. If you have kennel dogs, think about the effects on them day after day and put yourself in their position. You wouldn't do that to yourself, right?

They have to have a change, a walk, a run on the property and some quality attention.

My dogs have an acre of space to romp on, both are spayed and they get to go out horseback riding on weekends - something they look forward to.

It truly gets to me when I see pets anonymously dropped off at shelters with notes that people couldn't take care of them. Whose responsibility is this anyway?

When people adopt pets, it should be discussed in great length as to the responsibility and effort they are willing to put forth with the new member of the family. It's no different than taking responsibility for a child being reared.

Animals need attention. Most seek it. But, do we give it to them after a long day at work?

Educating the public must continue to be an ongoing crusade as our society seems to be less and less interested in doing the right thing. Too many have become so steeped in themselves, their wants, their rights and the list goes on, that they don't seem to want to know what their responsibilities really are.

Their attitude is simply, "Let somebody else do it."

Well, folks, it's time to step up to the plate and do what's right.

There are many pets that need good homes. There are people capable of caring for them.

Haven Humane Society adopts out thousands of pets and the clinic spays and neuters thousands each year.

The animal shelter also helps those struggling with the declining economy by providing food for pets so they won't be surrendered to a shelter. This organization educates the public about the responsibilities of pet ownership and provides many services for children, adults and pets to ensure happy relationships between them.

I just don't know why there are so many out there who don't take advantage of the help that is so close by.

So, if you have unspayed or un-neutered pets, at least check with the local veterinary clinics and find the discounts this month. You just might save your pets' lives and be doing your part to save a host of others at the same time.