Because of an explosion in pet overpopulation, countless puppies and kittens born each year end up on the "unwanted" list, as do thousands of dogs and cats in every community whose owners no longer want them.
A bill was passed in Rhode Island that requires all animals adopted from shelters and city pounds be spayed or neutered within 30 days of adoption, or within 30 days from the date that the animal reaches sexual maturity.
The adopting party has to leave a deposit with the releasing agency; it is refunded upon presentation of proof of sterilization. Penalties for noncompliance include fines, ranging from $50 for the first offense, to $400 for the third and later offenses, to seizure and forfeiture of the animal by a dog officer or police officer.
This bill does not affect licensed, reputable breeders, pet stores, or persons currently owning animals (although I must be honest, I wish it would!). In addition, certain exemptions may also apply, such as the relasing agency's returning a stray animalto its owner; when the life of the animal would be jeopardized by the surgery and such a condition is likely to be permanent; or if a temporary health condition requires the surgery to be postponed. All exemptions would have to be verified by a licensed veterinarian.
The growth rate of the uncontrolled dog and cat population is astounding. Dogs can produce two litters a year and cats as many as four, and uncontrolled males can impregnate any number of females.
Pet owners allow their animals to breed either because they don't understand the consequences, or they don't care. Thinking that they will find homes for their pets' puppies or kittens, they disregard the fact that this means one less potential home for another animal.
The innocent animals - family pets that have been abandoned, liters of puppies and kittens that have been turned out, strays born in the streets - all suffer from hunger, disease, and the extremes of weather, because they are not equipped to care for themselves. They are chased away from homes and businesses and sometimes tormented by thoughtless or cruel people. Many cause traffic accidents, often ending up under the wheels of cars.
Even those of us who do not have pets are affected by animal overpopulation. Millions of tax dollars are spent annually to care for lost, abandoned and unwanted pets, and millions more to destroy those that find no homes. Health and safety are threatened by rabies, dog bites, cat scratches and traffic accidents. Property may be damaged and livestock killed or injured when pets run wild, sometimes in packs.
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