In the United States, thousands upon thousands of puppies and kittens are born each day because of the uncontrolled breeding of pets. Stray and abandoned animals add thousands more offspring to the population. Shelters in every community are full of dogs and cats that have been abandoned by their owners, because they got too big, developed behavior problems or proved to be an unexpected challenge, and the owner gave up. This is a huge problem to solve, but by spaying and neutering animals we will be able to get a handle on this problem. In a few years period a carefully planned sterilization program can produce dramatic results in our community. All the animals adopted from the Howard County Humane Society are sterilized before they are placed up for adoption. Education is an essential part of solving this problem. Unless people know the facts about overpopulation and sterilization, they are virtually helpless to do anything about the problem. If anyone you know wants a dog or cat, urge them to come to our local shelter where there is always a wonderful selection of mixed breed and purebred dogs and cats who are waiting for good homes and loving owners. You can take simple steps to be a responsible pet owner by sterilizing your pet, so that he or she does not contribute to the pet overpopulation problem. Your pet will actually benefit from spaying and neutering. Sterilized pets lead healthier, longer lives. Spaying a female eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the chances of breast cancer. Neutering a male reduces the risk of both prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Neutering will also make your pet more affectionate and less likely to roam, get in fights or become lost. Pets become fat and lazy as a result of overeating and the lack of excercise, not from spaying and neutering. Responsible pet ownership also means providing adequate food, water, shelter and proper veterinary care, obeying the laws and giving your pet the love, companionship, exercise and attention they need.