Unwanted Offspring Die by the Tens of Thousands in Animal Shelters and on the Streets, Says Group
For Immediate Release:
July 25, 2012
Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382
Quebec City -- Holding signs that read, "Condoms Won't Work: Fix Your Dog!" and "Condoms Won't Work: Fix Your Cat!" two PETA members dressed as giant condoms will hand out leaflets on animal birth control at a busy intersection in Québec City on Thursday. Their point? That the only way to get a handle on the overpopulation crisis among cats and dogs is always to have your animals spayed or neutered.
When: Thursday, July 26, 12 noon
Where: Southeast corner of Boulevard Charest Est and Rue de la Couronne, Québec City
"If cats and dogs could wear condoms, thousands 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. Thousands 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.