Aug. 17 is National Homeless Animals’ Day. The International Society for Animal Rights began National Homeless Animals’ Day to publicize the overwhelming magnitude of dog and cat overpopulation, to increase public awareness of the millions of dogs and cats killed in shelters annually due to a lack of homes, and to emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering companion animals.
The total number of cats and dogs killed in shelters is a topic of debate. Some estimate there are approximately 4 to 5 million animals killed per year in shelters, while others think the number is much higher (10-12 million). These estimates are only for shelter animals; they do not include street animals that die before ever making it to a shelter. Whatever the true estimate is, millions of cats and dogs die because there are not enough homes for them.
On National Homeless Animals’ Day, make a commitment to support rescue efforts. Support your local shelter, your local rescue group and your local independent rescuers. You can do this by having your own animals spayed or neutered, adopting your next companion animal and educating others about the importance of spaying and neutering and adoption.
Please be part of the solution—rescue, don’t breed, spay or neuter, and adopt. The animals don’t need your excuses—they need you!
Michelle Marcus
Manalapan