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Understanding the impact of sterilization

What is sterilization?

Animal sterilization, also known as spaying or neutering, is a surgical procedure that removes part of an animal's reproductive organs to prevent it from reproducing. Only seven states have mandatory spay and neuter laws in place, each with its own specific requirements and exemptions. A reduction in the number of unwanted litters creates a smaller homeless pet population, more rooms in our shelters and rescues, and a smaller burden on our local economy.

"When a clinic spays or neuters 5,000 animals in a year, that prevents more than 100 times that number of unwanted animals...It really makes a difference."

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-Angela Chapman, New Leash

"There's proof in the pudding"

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From July 2011 through December 2023, the Sumner SpayNeuter Alliance Clinic in Gallatin, TN performed 105,659 spay/neuter surgeries. The numbers below are a representation of how an increase in sterilization has a direct correlation to intake and euthanasia rates. 

Bar graphic showing the relationship between spay/neuter and euthanasia

2020 and 2021 numbers were impacted by the Covid pandemic.

States like Indiana permit pop up clinics which set up in places like churches and community centers. Allowing a clinic to temporarily set up in underserved areas could affect the animal overpopulation exponentially, and save taxpayers some money by creating space in local shelters (see chart). Tennessee permitting regulations make it nearly impossible for an organization to offer such services, as they require any veterinary clinic to be inspected and permitted before becoming operational, preventing "pop up" clinics from offering their services in areas with limited access to vet care. If these permitting laws were amended, organizations like Animal Balance could have a presence in Tennessee and help impact the animal overpopulation.

Data provided by Pet Services of Indiana, 2024.

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Our mission statement very intentionally includes the word "collaboratively" when speaking to legal reform. This is because we understand that the solution is not to just ban activities that may contribute to our animal overpopulation (in fact, that's very hard to do). It's critical that we approach these issues equipped with the knowledge that takes into consideration a range of perspectives, and that we can ensure there are resources in place to uphold an expectation. Therefore, we're in favor of an approach where incentives for sterilization are provided (reduced licensing fees, tax incentives, etc.), in conjunction with accessible and affordable sterilization programs.

​Spay/neuter misconceptions worth talking about

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Myth: Spaying and neutering will cause my pets to gain weight.

Fact: Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor their food intake. Spaying and neutering will not impact this.

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Myth: Neutering will cause behavioral changes.

Fact: Some undesirable behaviors may change when your pet is sterilized (ie. marking, mounting, etc.). Neutering may also help avoid some aggression problems or undesirable behaviors caused by a higher level of testosterone. However, it's important to note that there are no guarantees. The effects of neutering are largely dependent on your dog’s individual personality, physiology and history.

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Myth: Spay/neuter operations are expensive.

Fact: The cost of a pet’s spay/neuter surgery is far less than the cost of caring for a litter. Additionally, there are many organizations that offer free or low-cost spay/neuter services for pet owners. If you're local to Tennessee, click here for low-cost resources.

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Myth: Spaying and neutering is unhealthy for pets.

Fact: Neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. Spay/neuter will help your pet live a longer, healthier life.

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Myth: Neutering will make my pet feel like less of a male.

Fact: Pets have no concept of ego or sexual identity, and neutering won’t change that. What might change, however, is that your male dog will be less likely to roam away from home, as an intact male will do just about anything to find a mate, including finding creative ways to escape from the house. Once he’s free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other male animals.

West Virgina

In 2024, West Virginia introduced House Bill 4944, relating to allowing a tax credit for the cost of spaying or neutering a dog or cat. Click here to read the full bill.

47%

The amount of TN residents who have dogs – that's the 10th highest in the nation.

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"Because of a lack of leash and spay/neuter laws and less municipal money for animal control and care compared to other regions — coupled with a culture of generally letting people do whatever the hell they please — the stray-pet population in the South is far greater than other parts of the country."

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- The Bitter Southerner, 2024

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

Are you a taxpayer? An unsterilized dog or cat relates directly to the animal overpopulation problem. As the animal population increases, the more money your municipal shelter will need to support the care of these animals, which is funded by taxpayer dollars. Are you someone who allows your unsterilized dog to roam free? If so, your dog is likely determined to find a mate and breed in the wild – creating a litter of homeless dogs which continues to put a strain on shelters and rescues, creating a need for more funding and increasing the rate of euthanized animals. Do you enjoy the freedom you currently have to decide whether or not your sterilize your animals? As the animal population continues to skyrocket, this freedom may be taken away from you as a result of irresponsible pet owners.

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This affects all of us.

Simple ways you can help

1

Support spay and neuter programs

Support your community's low-cost spay and neuter programs the best you can. We can't expect people to spay and neuter their pets if resources aren't made available to them.

2

Adopt from local rescues and shelters

It is Tennessee law that shelters must spay or neuter an animal before it is adopted it. A similar mandate applies to local rescues. Save money and start off your pet ownership on a responsible foot. 

3

Educate the people in your community

One of our biggest goals is to push our community to understand that not only are all of our animal overpopulation issues related, but they impact each and every one of us. 

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