It is no secret that there are many unwanted kittens and puppies born each year. A large percentage of these kits and pups are left at shelters, or to fend for themselves and have a very low survival rate.

Just focusing locally, in 2023, the Athens Limestone Animal Shelter took in 3,162 animals. Astonishingly, in January 2024, in spite of a one-week shutdown due to ice storms, the shelter had 91 puppies, 83 dogs and 33 kittens dropped there, 207 animals in one month. During the ice storm, the staff and veterinarians camped at the shelter to ensure that someone was there to care for the animals.

During Spay and Neuter Awareness month, you can make a huge contribution to saving lives and preventing unwanted cat and dog pregnancies by getting your pet spayed. You can also help those who may not be able to afford the procedure by donating to your local shelter or rescue.

Both cats and dogs can go into heat and become pregnant two to three times per year. This means they can produce approximately 25 kittens and 15 puppies each. All of these animals need proper care and homes. Sadly, most are dumped at the shelter, where the tax payers must now care for them. Animals are euthanized because the shelter simply does not have the resources or space to manage this many animals.

You may think that spaying or neutering your pet is cruel. However, scientists have proven that fixed animals are less aggressive, less likely to bite, less likely to develop prostate or uterine cancers, have better behavior and are calmer without hormone surges.

You can celebrate Spay and Neuter month. Get your pets fixed. Stop contributing to the overpopulation of unwanted animals in our county and across the country. Help to raise money for shelters and rescues so that they can offer subsidized spays and neuters. Post on social media and volunteer at the shelter. Come to the county commissioners meetings and offer a suggestion.

ALAS offers a spay and return program for just $110. If you are a SNAP recipient, you may qualify for low cost spay or neuter through a local vet, ranging from $20 to $100. Call your vet to see if they are offering any specials this month or contact Limestone Veterinary Clinic on Hwy. 72.

Limestone County, we can be the example for many other locales. Let’s spay and neuter our pets, and reduce overpopulation of unwanted animals.