Spay and neuter your pets

I saw a sign that said “Free Kittens” as I was driving home from SCRAPS (Spokane County Regional Animal Protective Services) after a day of volunteer work. Do you know how many “free” kittens grow into breeding machines that fill our shelters? Many have to be humanely euthanized because there aren’t enough homes and rescue facilities for them.

Some people point their fingers at the shelters that have to put animals down, as if killing animals was what they live for. I say go volunteer at these shelters, see how hard these people work to find placement for animals. See the sadness in their eyes when all options run out for the precious creatures they have been caring for. Learn that the so-called no-kill shelters take only as many as they have room for, whereas SCRAPS has to take all animals.

Right now in the United States, for every baby born, seven kittens or puppies are born. Since there are about 10,000 babies born daily, finding homes for 70,000 kittens and puppies, on a daily basis, is a daunting task. Don’t be part of the problem. Be responsible, spay or neuter your free kitten or puppy.

Wanda Tenner

Spokane Valley