Most Milwaukee pet owners are aware of the overpopulation of dogs and cats in the Southwest Wisconsin area, which is not limited to our state but it is a national problem. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a major campaign regarding this situation.
The facts compiled by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that six to eight million cats and dogs enter shelters annually. Of these animals, three to four million are euthanized every year because shelters cannot find them homes. Many shelters must put these animals down because they do not have the facilities, man power, or funds to maintain the large population of stray dogs and cats.
HSUS states that one fertile female cat produces three litters per year each litter averaging four to six kittens. In seven years they can produce 420,000 cats. One fertile bitch can have two litters per year with and average of six to ten puppies per litter. In six years they can produce 67,000 dogs.
Overpopulation creates an environment conducive to disease like rabies and distemper. Milwaukee pet owners can help get this situation under control, it is a simple task of spaying and neutering dogs and cats.
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