If Everyone Does Their Part, We Can Save Our Friends
By Luke Janoschka
Everybody loves pets! Some are even called “Man’s best friend.” Did you know that about ten thousand dogs and cats are euthanized every day? That means that three to four million pets are killed every year. Overpopulation in area shelters is the main killer of these cuddly animals. Once in a shelter, only two percent of cats and fifteen percent of dogs actually get returned to their owners.
Dogs and cats that are housed in shelters are equally either given up by their owner or found stray. Some people go to pet stores and see little puppies and kittens that are so cute, so they buy them. Too many people rush into pet ownership without looking into all the responsibilities included in owning a pet. As a result, many animals suffer and are killed. In addition, three million pets are lost because they don’t have proper identification on them. If owners would put pet identification tags or microchips on their animals, shelters would have an easier time locating pet owners. Many euthanized dogs have no identification when they enter shelters.
Since about ten thousand pets are killed every day, there is a good chance your dog or cat could be next. Owners need to remember to put tags or a microchip on their pets and make sure that their pet’s licenses are up to date. Also, people interested in owning a pet need to look into the responsibilities of pet ownership before buying one. This will help the overwhelming death rate go down. Another important thing that people can do is to choose to adopt pets from local animal shelters. There are many amazing animals at shelters just waiting for a loving family to adopt them. Come on America; let’s take care of our best friends!