It's cuter to neuter

Who doesn't love their pet? Whether it's a dog, cat, hamster or snake, they provide companionship and joy to numerous pet owners and families alike.

But there is also responsible pet ownership and spaying or neutering your pet is an important facet of a pet owner's job. Unwanted litters of puppies and kittens are the direct result of pet owners not taking charge and neutering their pets. If you value your pet, then it's better to be proactive and think about the welfare of your pet. It's not uncommon for the unwanted offspring to end up in animal shelters.

It's not just cats and dogs you need to worry about. Rabbits too should also be spayed as they reproduce faster than dogs and cats. This can also reduce hormone-driven behaviour such as lunging, mounting, spraying and boxing. If you spray the female rabbit you can prevent ovarian, mammary and uterine cancers that can be common in mature females.

Your local vet is the best person to talk to about neutering your pet and can advise you about the best procedure. For female cats and dogs, the procedure of spaying involves the removal of its' uterus and ovaries and the neutering of male cats and dogs involves the removal of testicles. The operation is relatively straightforward and the animals recover quickly from the operation.

Since its launch in 2002, Spay Week Ireland has been to fore in the promotion of the importance of spaying and neutering and is part of a grass roots effort by animal welfare groups and individuals across the country. Spay Week Ireland recently launched their 10th anniversary of Spay Ireland campaign, using the tag line 'It's cuter to neuter.' They also hope to dispel the myths surrounding this process and reassure pet owners that it doesn't make their pets fat or lazy and it will not change their personality. In fact, they will probably live longer as a result and will be less aggressive.

For those worried about the financial cost of neutering, there are subsidised neutering schemes available and you can contact your local veterinary clinic or animal welfare group for advice on the scheme. While it might cost to neuter, the long term benefits far outweigh the burden of unwanted litters.

If you love your pet and you want it to be happy, then spay or neuter.