Why does HALO Spay and Neuter Young Animals?

By Heather Allen
President/CEO
November 7, 2006

Low Cost Spay & Neuter SpayNeuter Hotline (602) 265-SPAY (7729) spayneuterhotline.org

Many people ask this question of HALO and other rescue organizations that spay or neuter every animal before adoption. According to Arizona law, any incorporated animal welfare agency is required to have their animals sterilized prior to adoption. There are a few exceptions for health conditions, but otherwise, it is required.

HALO Animal Rescue alters every animal before adoption because it is the ethical thing for any reputable rescue agency to do. In Maricopa County, over 900 dogs and cats are euthanized each and every week due to homelessness. The only way to stop the killing is to spay and neuter our companion animals.

Dr. Tracy Land couldn't have explained it better:

But why spay and neuter the babies?

It's safer. Our mortality rate is lower. I've performed over 800 procedures with only one loss. Complications occur less often. Most compelling, in a study done by veterinary students, (completely inexperienced surgeons), their death and complication rates were lower. It's easier on the pet - anesthesia time is shorter and recovery takes only a few hours. It completely eliminates the possibility of accidental litters.

We daily hear the infamous "I didn't know she'd go in heat so soon," and "she just got out for a few minutes." The list is endless. My personal favorite is "She can't be pregnant, I chained her up when she was in heat."

It completely eliminates the possibility of intentional breeding by well meaning, but ignorant owners. The old "so the kids can have the experience", "just one litter," "we can make a little money," or "I found her a good home" that turns out to be a back yard puppy mill.

Breeders can avoid having their names show up on poor quality stock and help control competition by backyard breeders. The bottom line is fewer unwanted pets, and fewer ill-bred animals filling up homes so that others go without.

Click here to see the entire website that Dr. Land's quote came from as well as many other links to research showing the safety and importance of Pediatric Spay and Neuter.