1. Pet populations are Demand Driven. There are over 1 million people in Palm Beach County. Pet ownership increases because of a demand for pets. The population of pets is Demand Driven. Pet populations are not the result of over-breeding. Spaying and neutering will not affect a demand driven pet population unless you spay and neuter every animal in the United States. And then people will get pets from over-seas. In California they imported thousands of dogs from over-seas. The dogs had serious diseases and illnesses.

2. Mandatory Spaying and Neutering is based on the assumption that pet populations are the result of over-breeding. They believe that people are breeding pets indiscriminately. The truth is only feral, wild, and stray cats are over-breeding. Dogs and domestic cats are not over-bred Mandatory laws would have little or no impact on dog and domestic cat populations.

3. Pet Retention Levels Impact the number of pets in an animal control facilities. People want pets - they demand them - unfortunately some pet owners give up their pets for various reasons. Most abandoned pets are owned less than a year. The top 5 reasons for surrendering pets include:

1. Moving
2. Landlord issues
3. Cost of pet maintenance
4. No time for pet
5. Inadequate facilities

The top 5 reasons for pet abandonment are NOT solved by mandatory spaying and neutering.

4. Education proves to make significant improvements in Pet Retention rates. When pet owners are educated in the responsibilities of pet ownership principles, the rates of pet retention are significantly improved. Training the animal also increases retention rates. Education is the key. People want to help whether it's recycling, buckling up for safety, or learning how to improve their relationships with their pets. People are willing to learn and practice responsible pet ownership. Education is the key to responsible pet ownership and reducing pet abandonment.

5. Animal Care and Control includes wild, stray, and feral cats in their death rates. Cats can account for up to 75% of a shelters pet population. Animal Care and Control also includes old, sick, diseased, and dying pets in their statistics. The statistics do not reflect an accurate assessment of the problem.

Addressing dogs and cats as separate issues will significantly alleviate the numbers of deaths in shelters. This simple step with a few creative applications can practically eliminate the need to euthanise any animal.

6. There are health risks and dangers to Spaying and Neutering. The health dangers and risks of spaying and neutering an animal are very real and outweighs any so called advantages. Every owner needs to evaluate and make an intelligent decision as to whether they will spay or neuter their pet. Their are too many Vets who are not informing owners and disclosing all the health risks.

Spaying and Neutering can actually contribute to pet abandonment. For example, it can cause incontinence in many animals. Incontinence would be one of the reasons owner would abandon an animal. Besides affecting health, spaying and neutering also impacts behavior in negative ways. Some animals actually became More aggressive! Other become fearful and timid, depending on the pet's nature. Allowing a government to make health impacting decisions for your pet is ludicrous.

7. It's an Invasion and Violation of our Rights. Mandatory Spay/Neuter laws violate basic principles of law as well as our rights as American citizens. We believe it violates our freedom, liberty, and our Constitutional rights. It is unfair to hold an innocent person accountable for the irresponsibilities of a few pet owners.

8. Irresponsible pet owners will not comply with the law. It's not enforceable. Only responsible, innocent owners and pets will be penalized. This law is as practical as prohibition was in the 1920's. It will ignite a rebellion by otherwise law abiding citizens to break a ridiculous law.

9. It Fails to Achieve Results. Mandatory Spaying and Neutering, simply does not work! In areas of the country where implemented, it fails. It will not Stop the Killing of animals! Animals will still be euthanized in shelters. For a sample of mandatory spay/neuter failures, click here

10. There are better solutions including building a NO KILL Shelter System. Why kill any of the animals? All of them can be saved. Only dangerous pets that are a threat to the public such as violent biters should be euthanized. Also sick and diseased animals that are suffering and cannot be treated should be euthanized. All the rest can be saved! Without raising Taxes!

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