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Be A Responsible Pet Owner
Being a responsible pet owner is much more than just providing adequate water, food and shelter for your pet. Domestic pets are completely dependent on their owners for their welfare.
The Crisis of Pet Overpopulation
Shelter DogEvery day in the United States, thousands upon thousands of puppies and kittens are born because of the uncontrolled breeding of pets. Add to that number the offspring of stray and abandoned companion animals, and the total becomes even more staggering. It is impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States; estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million. Most strays are lost pets who were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification. Every year, between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters; some three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them. Five out of ten dogs in shelters and seven out of ten cats in shelters are destroyed simply because there is no one to adopt them.
Many of us enjoy the companionship of pets. In fact, according to a 2008 survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 63 percent of American households include pets. These animals don't ask for much—just a short list of basics such as food, shelter, veterinary care, and, of course, our companionship. Pets offer far more in return, teaching us about love, improving our emotional and physical health, and providing us with unconditional affection and friendship.
It’s a People Problem, Not a Wildlife Problem
California’s wild animals are falling victim to unnecessary conflict and even death for a surprising reason – increasing access to human and pet food and garbage. The problem seems to get worse every year, as California’s human population continues to grow and expand into wildlife habitat.
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