Necessity of spay/neuter practices in rural areas

Dear Editor,

In rural communities, spaying and neutering dogs and cats is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of responsible pet ownership. Rural areas frequently struggle with overpopulation, abandoned animals and the spread of disease. The most pressing issues in our area are the unchecked breeding of stray, free-roaming animals, as well as irresponsible breeding by owners who fail to properly address the issue.

Without intervention, populations grow exponentially, leading to more animals than local resources can support. This overcrowding increases the likelihood of starvation, disease, and conflicts with neighbors and livestock.

As a community, we are blessed to have access to a city shelter and multiple reasonably priced options for sterilization of our pets. However, the system is easily overwhelmed by indiscriminate backyard breeding. In a recent case, the nonprofit organization Sequoyah Animal Advocates provided sterilization for three mature, bred female dogs from a yard in Sallisaw City limits. This situation alone would have resulted in a minimum of 30 or more animals entering the already overwhelmed system. And, this is not an isolated incident.

We desperately need a communitywide effort to promote spay/neuter practices, education of the public, and more financial assistance programs for sterilization costs to create a healthier life for pets in our area.

PAULA HARAWAY, DVM