Animal
Adoption Owens Mar 11/17
Millions of animals across Canada end up in
shelters each year. A lot of times they are purchased and, because
circumstances have changed, they are given up or simply abandoned. There are
multiple organizations available to help these animals, however, they are
competing with ruthless breeders looking for a profit. People should adopt
their pets because it reduces the current overpopulation in shelters.
Most
reasons why pets are given up include that their owners are moving, there is an
sudden onset of allergies, or simply because the small puppy they bought turned
into a large responsibility. The CFHS statistics for 2015 shows that 33% of
dogs and 30% of cats were surrendered by their owners. Therefore, an option
like fostering to adopt is a great way to get to know an animal before making a
life altering decision. This will give the potential adopter a chance to get to
know the breed and personality of the animal and reduces the chances of it
being returned.
In
2014, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies reported that the average
intake of cats was over 85,000 and the intake of dogs was over 38,000. According
to the CFHS, even though these numbers have decreased by approximately 20%
since 2013, and continue decrease each year, pet overpopulation is still an issue.
Just one unfixed cat can give birth to approximately 25 kittens a year and dogs
can give birth to approximately 21 puppies a year. Not to mention if each offspring
had a litter of its own. Organizations such as the CFHS and SPCA are
being proactive by spaying and neutering pets before adoption. Despite these
efforts, the humane societies are up against breeders making it difficult to
significantly reduce the number animals in shelters. As per the US Humane
Society, 25% of shelter animals are pure bred; which means that people who are
considering purchasing a specific breed can find the pet they are looking for in
shelters.
The
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies are giving animals a chance at a
fulfilling life. Anyone who is considering getting a pet should do their
research and visit a local animal shelter before deciding. Unfortunately, there
will always be people putting profit before the well being of animals but the
more people choosing adoption will eventually make that business obsolete.
Sources:
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