Unwanted Offspring Die by the Millions in Animal Shelters and on the Streets, Says Group
For Immediate Release:
March 6, 2012
Contact:
Adam Miller 202-483-7382
Fredericton, New Brunswick -- Holding signs that read, "Dogs Can't Use Condoms: Spay and Neuter!" and "Condoms Won't Work: Fix Your Cat!" two PETA members dressed as giant condoms—one pink and one blue—will hand out leaflets on animal birth control at a busy location in Fredericton on Wednesday. Their point? That the only way to get a handle on the cat and dog overpopulation crisis is always to have your animals spayed or neutered.
When: Wednesday, March 7, 12 noon
Where: Corner of Carleton and King streets, Fredericton
"If cats and dogs could wear condoms, millions of animals would be saved from suffering and death," says PETA campaigner Emily Lavender. "But they can't—so it's up to their guardians to take responsibility for spaying and neutering."
In 2010, more than 140,000 animals were admitted to animal shelters in Canada and more than 50,000 were euthanized. Of those euthanized, more than 3,600 were healthy, adoptable animals. These numbers account for approximately half the animal shelters and pounds in Canada, so the actual numbers are much higher. Millions more never make it to an animal shelter and are left to fend for themselves on the streets, where they often are subjected to cruelty, are struck by cars, or suffer from starvation, disease, or injuries. The solution is simple: Always spay or neuter your animal companions. Spaying one female dog can prevent 67,000 births in six years, and spaying one female cat can prevent 420,000 births in seven years.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.