| Many citizens defend the right to spay or neuter | | | | degree it does in the US. In Europe the |
| their pet at their discretion, but for some pet | | | | Scandinavian countries are most opposed to |
| owners that choice may be taken away from | | | | neutering, and many vets refuse to provide the |
| them. In some English speaking countries the pet | | | | service unless medically necessary for the dog's |
| overpopulation issue is so bad that various | | | | health. In fact, these countries often have the |
| governments are talking about restricting pet | | | | reverse of an American neutering contract. Often |
| breeding solely to registered breeders. In others, | | | | breeders require buyers to sign a contract |
| neutering is almost never done. Why is the | | | | agreeing to keep the pet whole and allow the |
| procedure so touted in some countries, and | | | | breeder to use the dog to produce a litter if he |
| reviled in others? Let's look at some of the views | | | | or she desires. Overall, pet's reproductive |
| concerning neutering around the world. | | | | processes are seen as natural rather than |
| United States | | | | destructive. |
| In the US over 3 million domestic animals are | | | | Australia |
| euthanized each year for lack of a home. Puppy | | | | In Australia the neutering debate takes on a new |
| mills are unregulated in most states and produce | | | | perspective with the issue of invasive species. |
| genetically deficient puppies who often have | | | | The introduction of the domestic cat to the |
| serious health problems. For the most part there | | | | Australian eco-system has been destructive, |
| is no legislation requiring sterilization of pets, but at | | | | especially on local birds. Some studies even claim |
| this point California is discussing it. At the very | | | | that 33% of wildlife deaths are due to cats. |
| least all animals adopted from shelters have a | | | | Whether this is valid or not it has caused many |
| mandatory neutering clause. Some breeders also | | | | Australians to dispose of feral cats and to neuter |
| sell puppies for a discounted rate if the owner | | | | their own animals. Legislation to neuter all cats |
| signs a spay/neuter contract which obliges them | | | | except for those owned by registered breeders |
| to sterilize the pet after which they receive | | | | is even under consideration. In Australia neutering |
| papers (in the case of pure bred animals). | | | | isn't just about pet overpopulation; it's also about |
| Neutering is a regular procedure in the United | | | | the environment. |
| States, and most vets support it as a good way | | | | Of course, this is just a small slice of the world. |
| to stop breeding urges which lead to behavior like | | | | But the Western world at least has similar |
| marking and running away, not to mention | | | | thoughts about the role of a pet in our lives, while |
| unwanted puppies or kittens. The view on the | | | | many other parts of the world think differently. |
| neutering debate is much the same in Canada as | | | | Wherever you live you have to carefully consider |
| in the US. | | | | what you think is best for your pet, to be |
| Europe | | | | neutered or remain whole. At the end of the day, |
| In Europe pets are neutered far less often than in | | | | neutered or whole, your dog or cat's love for you |
| the US. Breeding is more controlled and the pet | | | | will remain the same. |
| overpopulation problem does not exist to the | | | | |