Animal sterilization is a topic that causes a lot of controversy. Despite the enlightening work of veterinarians, shelters and volunteers, many today are confident that this step is inhuman and cruel. However, the arguments of the proponents of “humanity” are often an inconsistent series of statements without logic. How does everything really happen? Let's look at the issue one by one.
Society attitude
As a rule, opponents of animal sterilization are those who do not have pets at all. These same people like to be indignant about the irresponsibility of the municipal authorities in relation to packs of stray dogs. On the one hand, they condemn castration, but on the other, they are not averse to resorting to the services of dog hunters themselves.
The problem lies in the low level of awareness. Most opponents simply do not think about reasonable alternatives to trapping and shooting. Fortunately, confident arguments and well-reasoned statements by experts can work wonders. Nowadays, more and more skeptics think about the rationality of this approach.
Nature will understand ...
Perhaps this statement is a favorite and most common among those who oppose the sterilization of street animals. Of course, we will not doubt the wisdom of Mother Nature. But let's honestly admit that man intervened in the course of natural evolutionary processes several millennia ago. Having domesticated the steppe cat and the wolf, we took responsibility for these animals and their descendants.
Relatives of domestic cats and dogs living on free breads feel fine without human help. A wild beast can hunt, hide, take care of cubs, protecting them from harsh conditions and natural enemies. Population size is affected by natural selection. Moreover, many species need just protection, and not reproductive control.
What happens to those whose ancestors were domesticated? The habitat and diet have changed, hunting skills have been dulled, immunity has weakened, but the number of predators ready to attack has become several times less.
Since the wild beast was invited to the cave as an assistant and a guard, 9-15 centuries have passed. During this time, a huge number of breeds were obtained, each of which has its own qualities. Is it possible to imagine a Pekingese kid hunting in the wild more often? Can a beautiful British woman feed herself and her cubs in the steppe? Many thoroughbred animals are not even able to digest ordinary human food and need a special balanced feed. What can we say about raw meat. How can nature figure it out if its creation was pulled out of natural conditions, abandoned in a modern metropolis, accustomed to an atypical lifestyle and diet? We will be honest to the end: for those whom a person has made a companion, he must answer himself, and not rely on natural mechanisms.
Impressive numbers
Experts estimate that one kitten of cats per year on average can have 12 kittens. The dog during this time will give birth to 18 puppies. Is it possible to believe that during the same period 30 people wishing to acquire a pet will come from somewhere? Of course, demand is many times less than the rapidly growing supply.
And if you build a geometric progression, it is easy to calculate that in 10 years from one pair of cats will appear 80 thousand "heirs". After all, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will breed at the same speed. A couple of dogs in a decade will “give the world” 60 thousand offspring to nobody.
Homeless Way
What awaits those who are unlucky to find their own man? After all, there are not so many cases when someone takes a pet to the house from the street. Moreover, the older the animal becomes, the less chance it has of becoming domesticated.
The fate of a street vagrant is unenviable. Hunger, disease, the struggle for a warm corner under the pipes of the heating main, the attacks of larger and stronger comrades in misfortune ...
It is worth noting that a beast born and surviving in such conditions acquires certain skills. Growing up, he learns to be afraid of cars, ceases to admit aggressive people, he will study all the secluded corners on his territory. Sterilization of stray animals could stop this endless chain of joyless destinies.
Street animals as a threat
Many have heard about the attack of dogs maddened by hunger. Such an emergency can happen not only in a remote village, but also in a large city. In addition, homeless animals often become carriers of many diseases, including those dangerous to humans.
Trapping flocks with subsequent euthanasia or even placement in shelters does not bring the desired effect. The liberated territory is immediately occupied by new hordes.
Why do you need pet sterilization?
It would seem that the horrors of street life do not threaten those who grew up in a warm apartment among loving people. But the offspring of domestic cats and dogs often become strollers. If the owner is sure that the sterilization of animals is inhumane and harmful, and at the same time his pet periodically walks uncontrollably on the street, the problem of population growth is only exacerbated.
Some owners believe that by castrating a cat, they deprive him of happiness. But when an animal demands love and affection, while issuing heart-rending screams and leaving fetid marks everywhere, it is simply released into the street.
The fate of kittens born in the apartment, and then carefully taken out in a box into the yard in the hope that there are "good hands", is even more unenviable. Indeed, unlike those who were born homeless, these babies simply do not know how to survive on the street. Most of them die.
Of course, our recommendations do not apply to those who purchase animals for breeding. But if you dream of a thoroughbred dog, but do not plan to mess around with puppies, it is better to subject it to this procedure.
The fact is that an unsterilized pet that does not have regular occasions suffers from unrealized opportunities. The level of hormones goes through the roof, this can lead to a number of diseases. A pet can die at a young age. And the behavior of a sexually mature excited cat or dog cannot be called good. Scolding a pet is pointless and even cruel - it is not his fault that the natural instinct attracts him to his own kind.
Therefore, if you do not plan to engage in breeding offspring, do not torment the beast. Sterilization will facilitate his life, and the life of the owners, too.
How does this happen?
Sterilization of pets can be carried out both in the veterinary clinic and at home. In each case, a preliminary consultation with the doctor is desirable. Males tolerate the procedure more easily, and females will have a cavity operation, during which the ovaries are removed, sometimes together with the uterus. In time it takes no more than half an hour.
Animal care after surgery
The cat will forget about the experience the very next day. In rare cases, drowsiness may occur. The cat needs a supporting bandage-bandage and rest for a week. Seams need to be washed and processed daily. In addition, veterinarians advise putting a protective collar on the animal's neck so that it cannot reach the wounds and lick them.
For dogs, a lot depends on the breed. Most tetrapods calmly endure surgery and quickly recover.
Animal sterilization scars heal well. Within a month, you can hardly find traces among the overgrown fur.
Diet and vitamins for sterilized animals
If your pet is accustomed to dry food, canned food or spiders, most likely you will easily find a special food among products of the same manufacturer. Many brands produce food designed specifically for those who have undergone sterilization. There are tablet vitamins in veterinary pharmacies.
A special diet is desirable, but not required. By the way, it is worth mentioning another common misconception. There is an opinion that after sterilization, the pet will inevitably acquire excess weight. In fact, problems can only be associated with overfeeding, an improperly selected diet and low mobility. Then follow what your beast eats, encourage active games.
Behavior features
The following myth is more relevant for dog owners. Some of them are convinced that the sterilization and castration of animals leads to the loss of protective, shepherd, fighting or guard skills. However, such procedures reduce only sexual activity, without affecting the character, temperament and skills.
The only thing that can change in behavior is the level of aggression. The beast, which does not need to fight for a partner with rivals, becomes calmer and kinder.
Personal contribution: how can I help?
Unfortunately, government programs to sterilize stray animals are not large enough. They have a result, but still the streets are crowded with useless beast. Therefore, many activists of volunteer organizations often organize targeted gatherings to help the maximum number of strollers.
Even those who have no pets at all can be of great help. Follow the information on the sites of city shelters, provide all possible assistance to volunteers. It may consist of voluntary contributions, overexposure of animals in the postoperative period and their care, dissemination of information. Remember: the more people learn the truth about sterilization, the less unfortunate four-legged babies will be born. The faster society changes its view of the problem, the more effective the measures will be taken.