Causes Of Animal Overpopulation

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All across the country, an epidemic of overcrowded and overpopulated animal shelters is very evident. Because of this “21% of the state’s entire populations of household cat and dogs were euthanized each year.” (Marsh,5). It was found that “…5.6% to 8.2% of a state's dog and cat population would be sheltered during a year, and that, on average, an estimated 3.77% of that population would be euthanized” (Zawistowski, et al., 195). Unwanted animals are left on shelter steps and fill half of the spots that shelters have to hold strays. The causes of this are questioned among leading researchers who devote their life’s work to solving this problem. One side seems to argue that human factors, such as abusive tendencies or lack of ability to care for a pet play the most part in this problem. Others argue that the animal itself is the cause; whether it be their aggressive nature or their breed. Evaluating the problem, it is clear that there are many different causes of this epidemic that is related to both human and animal factors. Some of the factors that play important roles in this problem are lack of spaying and neutering by the previous pet owner, the readiness of the owner to take care of their new pet, and the temperament of the animals leaving the shelter.

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