Unwanted Offspring Die by the Millions in Animal Shelters and on the Streets, Says Group
For Immediate Release:
October 13, 2011
Contact:
Kristin Richards 202-483-7382
Topeka, Kan. -- 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 blue and one pink—will hand out leaflets on animal birth control at a busy location in Topeka on Friday. Their point? That the only way to get a handle on the cat and dog overpopulation crisis is to always have your animals spayed or neutered.
When: Friday, October 14, 12 noon
Where: Intersection of S. Kansas and Eighth avenues, Topeka
"If cats and dogs could wear condoms, millions of animals would be spared from suffering and death," says PETA campaigner Katie Arth. "But they can't—so it's up to their guardians to take responsibility for spaying and neutering."
Six to 8 million unwanted cats and dogs enter animal shelters every year in the U.S., and roughly half of them are euthanized because there simply aren't enough good homes for them. 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; suffer from starvation, disease, or injuries; or are struck by cars. 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 about PETA, please visit PETA.org.