Term Paper on "Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Pets"

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Some detractors of spaying and neutering do point to the business of purebreds. There is a consumer demand for purebred cats and dogs. While there is nothing wrong with wanting a purebred, the American Humane Association (2014) points out that about a quarter of all animals in shelters at any given time are actually purebreds. Willing pet owners should first seek for their future pet in a shelter, even if it means driving out of town and being patient before the right animal arrives. Purebreds left in shelters were bred by breeders who could not find a home for all the dogs or cats in the litter. As a result, the animal ends up on death row. This is why the for-profit breeding of purebred or specialty mixed breeds is ethically problematic. As the American Humane Association (2014) points out, "Only a finite number of people want pets. So every home you find for your pet's offspring takes away a home from a loving animal already at a shelter." A full quarter of all shelter cats and dogs were purebred animals and the only ethical means to breed cats and dogs is to secure homes for the litter before the animals are even born (American Humane Association, 2014).

Another objection to spaying and neutering has been the myth that the procedure alters the animal's personality. This may be true, but for the right reasons. According to the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals (2014), there are "genetic, anatomical and biochemical aspects of behavior." Spaying and neutering animals make behavioral control easier because it reduces the hormone spikes and associated neurochemical imbalances that make animals go out of control when they are in heat or in search of a mate. Aggressive behavior is a serious

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behavioral problem that can affect the owner's health, the animal's health, the health of other animals and people in the community. Altering the pet through spaying and neutering does not alter the animal's core psychological traits, which derive from love and nurturing, as well as effective animal training (Association of Animal Behavior Professionals, 2014).

Spaying and neutering promotes healthy animal psychology, too. Male animals in particular become aggressive when they are not neutered. Likewise, males are especially prone to excessive territorialism and behavioral dominance. Female and male animals who have not been altered may mark their territory with urine or feces, escape from the home and potentially get killed or hurt, or become frustrated for lack of outlet for their sexual urges (Warrenton Kennel Club, n.d.). Some of the behavioral issues associated with unaltered pets include riding, sniffing, licking, excessive barking, and arousal, all of which are aggressive behaviors related to sexual urges that are especially evident in male pets.

Spaying and neutering results in measurable health benefits for both cats and dogs. In females, spaying prior to their first heat cycle "nearly eliminates the risk of breast cancer and totally prevents uterine infections and uterine cancer," (American Humane Association, 2014). Generally, this means spaying before the animal is six months old. This is also true for males of the species, who are better off being neutered young. However, males who are neutered later in life also experience the benefits of the procedure on their health. Other diseases that can be eliminated or reduced by spaying female pets include "Cystic endometrial hyperplasia, mastitis, which is related to a condition of "false pregnancy," venereal sarcoma, cystic ovaries and hyperestrogenism, chornic endometritis, vaginal hyperplasia and prolapse, and also uterine torsion and uterine prolapse (Warrenton Kennel Club, n.d.). Reducing the possibility of acquiring these diseases ensures the pet is living as healthy a life as possible, which is why spaying and neutering is an ethical imperative. Moreover, the health benefits that result from spaying and neutering save money on veterinary bills.

Likewise, "neutering males prevents testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate gland, and greatly reduces their risk for perianal tumor," (American Humane Association, 2014). Hyperplasia, prostatic absesses, prostasis, orchitis, veneral tumor, perineal hernia, and inguinal hernia are also problems that can be eliminated by neutering male animals (Warrenton Kennel Club, n.d.). Found Animals (2014) points out that spaying and neutering eliminates the possibility of animals developing pyometra, a uterine infection that "occurs commonly among older, unspayed dogs and cats," and which is "life threatening."

These are problems that cause animals great pain and suffering; any pet owner who would willfully allow an animal to be at risk for preventable diseases is not a responsible pet owner. These diseases are often what cause animals to be given away to the shelter, by owners who find that they cannot afford the cost of euthanasia. Abandoning an animal or neglecting an animal's needs is a form of animal abuse. Such behavior can be grounds for prosecution.

Spaying and neutering companion animals like cats and dogs is an ethical imperative that should be enforced through effective public policies and local legislation. There are clear ethical, social, financial, and health reasons for spaying and neutering pets. Cats and dogs offer years of love and support to their human companions, and the least humans can do is give their pets the best possible care.

References

American Humane Association (2014). Spaying/Neutering. Retrieved online: http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/spaying-neutering.html

Association of Animal Behavior Professionals (2014). Theoretical orientation. Retrieved online: http://www.associationofanimalbehaviorprofessionals.com/theoreticorientation.html

ASPCA (2014). Top 10 reasons to spay or neuter your pet. Retrieved online: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/top-10-reasons-spay-or-neuter-your-pet

AVMA (2014). Spaying and neutering. Retrieved online: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/spay-neuter.aspx

Clevenger, J. & Kass, P. (2003). Determinants of adoption and euthanasia of shelter dogs. JVME 34(4). Retrieved online: http://www.utpjournals.com/jvme/tocs/304/372.pdf

Found Animals (2014). What are the benefits of spay or neuter? Retrieved online: http://www.foundanimals.org/pet-spay-neuter/spay-neuter-benefits

Frank, J.M. & Carlisle-Frank, P. (2007). Analysis of programs to reduce overpopulation of companion animals. Ecological Economics 62(3-4), p. 740-746.

Humane Society of the United States (2014). Why you should spay/neuter your pets. Retrieved online: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/why_spay_neuter.html

North Shore Animal League America (n.d.). Benefits of spay/neuter. Retrieved online: http://www.spayusa.org/benefits.php

Warrenton Kennel Club (n.d.). Health benefits of spaying and neutering. Retrieved online: http://warrentonkc.tripod.com/spayneut.htm READ MORE

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The first draft of your final research essay should follow these formatting guidelines: It must be at least 6–8 pages, double-spaced (excluding reference page), with standard margins and Times New Roman 12-point font. The paper should adhere to all APA or MLA standards of formatting. The paper should use at least four sources, with a minimum of three of those resources coming from those qualified in the annotated bibliography.

Ok so that is what I need to follow. I have started working on an essay but am terriable and there is a lot of plagerisum. I will send it along and would love for you to use the sources I have and I will send you. This is what I turned in for a reference sheet and really need you to use these sources.The benifits of spaying and neutering your pet. My research question would be what are the pro's/con's of spaying and neutering. This topic reflects my professional interests due to working in an Animal Hospital and I plan to one day manage one, and my personal interest due to I believe there are to many unwanted animals in the world. I intend on arguing the medical benefits along with controling animal population. I plan on using information from the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), ASPCA, American Humane Association, Association af Animal Behavior Professionals Please find additional sources. This is the paper I have written so far Heidi Sullivan Getting your pet spayed or neutered can: Reduce the number of homeless pets killed, Improve your pet's health, Reduce unruly behavior and Save on the cost of pet care. In every state every community, there is an overpopulation of animals. In the U.S., there are an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year, and not even half of these animals find new homes. Horribly, the remainder is euthanized. These are sweet, healthy pets that could have made great companions. The number of homeless animals varies by state—in some states there are as many as 300,000 homeless animals euthanized in shelters every year. These are not the offspring of homeless "street" animals—these are the puppies and kittens of cherished family pets and even purebreds. "Why You Should Spay/Neuter Your Pet: The Humane Society of ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/w Altering an animal is the only permanent, 100 percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats. Sterilized animals live longer, happier lives. Spaying eliminates the discomfort and stress that females go through during heat periods, eliminates the risk of uterine cancer, and greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer, pyrometra's.Neutering makes males far less likely to roam or fight, prevents testicular cancer, and reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Altered animals are less likely to contract deadly, contagious diseases, such as feline AIDS and feline leukemia, which are spread through bodily fluids. Pets are calmer and less territorial making them less apt to challenge other dogs and people, especially children. Dogs are far less likely to bite - 95% of mauling’s committed are by intact dogs. Altered pets are more comfortable since they don’t go through heats or suffer from PMS or are in a perpetual state of frustration. Pets are less likely to roam, get lost, injured or killed. This also Cuts down on embarrassing sexual behaviors, urination in the house, messy heats, crying, loud yowling and spraying in cats. A male dog can smell a female dog in heat from about three miles away and a male cat from about one mile away. Any intact male dog or cat will show up at your door if it’s at all possible. "Spay and Neuter

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