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WHEREAS, pet ownership in the United States has more than tripled since the 1970s, and as of 2016, pets provided companionship to more than 72 million American households; and,
WHEREAS, the number of accidental litters and strays has also increased over this time, and it is estimated that between six and eight million cats and dogs enter our nation’s shelter system each year. Unfortunately, only 30% of shelter dogs and 2-5% of cats are reclaimed by their owners; and,
WHEREAS, across the United States, animal shelters are forced to euthanize more than four million cats, dogs, and other animals each year, many of whom are healthy and adoptable, due to a lack of critical resources and public awareness; and,
WHEREAS, this tragic overpopulation of pets costs the taxpayers of this country millions of dollars annually through animal service programs that must cope with large populations of stray dogs and cats; and,
WHEREAS, spaying and neutering is the only proven method of reducing overpopulation and limiting the number of pets that end up in shelters. Free spay and neuter programs and educational outreach have proven to be wise investments for many communities, as the number of stray animals gradually declines over time; and,
WHEREAS, through the City of Pittsburgh’s Free Spay and Neuter Program, any City resident can have up to five dogs or cats spayed or neutered for free. Since the program’s inception, participating shelters, including the Animal Rescue League/Western PA Humane Society and Animal Friends, have performed more than 2,000 free surgeries; and,
WHEREAS, this year marks the twenty-third annual Spay Day, and since its inception in 1995, participants have spayed and saved millions of animals nationwide, and over 160 thousand in the Pittsburgh region; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, February 28, 2017 to be “World Spay Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.