In a growing number of countries, both citizens and legislators consider companion animals to be sentient beings that are a part of the family. Although neutering is necessary to curb unwanted behaviors and abandonments, the methods used are changing in order to take these societal expectations into consideration.
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NEUTERING METHODS EVOLUTION & ANIMAL WELFARE
From the 19th century to nowadays, due to the lack of scientific knowledge of animal sentience,
neutering methods changes took little account of animal welfare & life-long consequences.
SURGICAL NEUTERING: THE PREFERRED METHOD IN MOST COUNTRIES
Over the past few years, the rate of neutering has increased in the western world and in some Latin American and Asian countries, for both dogs and cats, male and female.
Dog and cat (males & females) neutering rate by country (2011-2016)
Sources: AMA 2016 (Australia), Potential for Aglepristone 2015 (Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom), PAFF-FACCO 2016 (France), TNS Sofres Medicalisation Rate 2011 (Italy), NZ Companion Animal Council 2015 (New Zealand), ANFAAC Veterindustria 2015 (Spain), AVMA 2016 (USA).
Change in neutering rate by species (males and females) & country (2003-2016)
Sources: Potential for Aglepristone 2015 (Canada), PAFF-FACCO 2016 (France), NZ Companion Animal Council 2015 (New Zealand), ANFAAC Veterindustria 2015 (Spain).
Neutering rate for female or male dogs by country (2011-2016)
Sources: Potential for Aglepristone 2015 (Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom), PAFF-FACCO 2016 (France), TNS Sofres Medicalisation Rate 2011 (Italy), ANFAAC Veterindustria 2015 (Spain), AVMA 2016 (USA).
Neutering rate for female or male cats by country (2011-2016)
Sources: Potential for Aglepristone 2015 (Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom), PAFF-FACCO 2016 (France), TNS Sofres Medicalisation Rate 2011 (Italy), ANFAAC Veterindustria 2015 (Spain), AVMA 2016 (USA).
UNWANTED BEHAVIOURS & LITTERS ARE NUMEROUS
PET OVERPOPULATION REMAINS A SOCIETAL PROBLEM
> Companion animal reproduction is outpacing human home capacity worldwide
A large number of animals are
abandoned in the wild or left at shelters
(where they are either adopted or euthanized)
> To combat this dynamic, most animal protection agencies require pet owners to neuter their animal
USA (each year) | Belgium (2018) |
---|---|
● Six to eight million animals are in shelters ● Half are adopted, the other half are euthanized |
● All cats should undergo mandatory neutering to reduce abandonments (25,000/year) |
Stray dogs and cats pose various risks to wildlife (environmental contamination, nuisance factors) and to public health (zoonoses, aggressiveness, damage to property)
PERCEPTION OF THE COMPANION ANIMAL IN THE HOME
In more and more countries, the companion animal is increasingly perceived as a member of the family who should enjoy the same rights as humans. Public opinion is gradually viewing surgical neutering as a disrespectful act.
Perception of the companion animal in the home (2017-2018)
My pet is a member of the family |
RATE |
---|---|
United States | 94% |
United Kingdom | 91% |
France | 80% |
Germany | 88% |
Spain | 88% |
AN INCREASING AWARENESS OF ANIMAL SENTIENCE WORLDWIDE
HOW TO GET OUT OF THE OPPOSITION
To learn more about non-surgical neutering methods watch the video: Manage your dog's behaviour & fertility
NON-SURGICAL NEUTERING METHODS