Urging people owning pets to spay or neuter them for health benefits and overpopulation control.
The initiative, supported by Veterinary Ireland, outlines the many advantages of spaying/neutering, which include a reduced risk of cancers and improved health and lifespan of pets.
Veterinary surgeon and ISPCA trustee, Dr. Pete Wedderburn, commented on the importance of these procedures and some of the misconceptions surrounding spaying and neutering.
“It’s the most effective way to prevent accidental litters of kittens and puppies being born.
“Spaying female dogs and cats removes the risk of ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the chances of breast cancer. Neutering male dogs and cats lowers the risk of prostate cancer,” he said.
The solutions in the current dog welfare crisis were outlined by CEO of the ISPCA, Dr. Cyril Sullivan:
“One solution is neutering or spaying, preventing accidental litters from being born in the first place and ending up in rescue centres.”
The IPSCA and Veterinary Ireland are encouraging pet owners to talk to their vets about the spaying or neutering their pets.
The campaign is looking to end cat and dog overpopulation in Ireland.
Dr. Pete Wedderburn and Rosanna Davison
The ISPCA also encourages adopting rescued animals – noting all of theirs are already spayed and neutered. Former Miss World and ISPCA ambassador Rosanna Davison spoke to TV3 about why she’s backing the SpayAware message:
“We can all make a difference by doing the right thing, by getting them spayed or neutered as early as possible, giving them the best chance of a longer, healthier, and happier life.”
ISPCA
Earlier this year the ISPCA celebrated 75 years of protecting, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Ireland.
To mark the occasion the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí De Róiste launched the #ISPCA75 campaign in the Mansion House, in Dublin.
The campaign has a target of €750,000 to be raised before the end of 2024 due to the high cost faced by the financial campaign at the moment, with space in the shelter always needed as a result of more animals abandoned, abused, or neglected in 2023.
The charity is marking 75 years of service with a call on its supporters to join its “mission of creating a world where every animal is treated with kindness and respect”.