They never asked to be born, but their mother's guardians figured the local pound or animal shelter would surely find them good homes. These people didn't realize that most of the millions of unwanted animals put to death each year are not strays. They are puppies and kittens born in nice homes like yours.

Dog and cat overpopulation is a tragedy of huge proportions. The supply of cats and dogs far exceeds the demand for them - there are simply too many dogs and cats and not enough homes. There are currently approximately 69 million cats and 62 million dogs present in American homes. Each day 10,000 humans are born in the United States and each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. In other words, for every human born in this country, seven puppies and kittens are also born. We are 60,000 people short every day.

As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals. As a result, millions of healthy, loving cats, dogs, kittens and puppies face early deaths as a form of animal control. Others are left to fend for themselves against automobiles, the elements, animals and cruel humans.

Out of neglect or ignorance, misplaced priorities or procrastination, too many new pet guardians neglect to have their pet spayed or neutered. Not spaying or neutering perpetuates the tragic overcrowding of our shelters and in the end results in millions of deaths each year. The result of not spaying or neutering is, in no uncertain terms, deadly.