In 1996 there were approximately 52.9 million dogs and 59.1 cats living in households in the United States.
More households (31.6%) had dogs than cats (27.35), but the average number of dogs per household was 1.69 and the average number of
cats per household was 2.19.
Number of litters a female cat can produce: up to 3 per year.
Number of kittens per litter: 4 to 6 in an average litter.
Age at which a female cat can produce a litter: 4 to 10 months.
Gestation period (length of pregnancy) for cats: 58 to 70 days.
Number of litters a female dog can produce: up to 2 per year.
Number of puppies per litter: 6-12 for medium or large breeds, 4 to 8 for smaller breeds.
Age at which a female dog can produce: a litter: 7 to 9 months.
Gestation period (length of pregnancy) for dogs: 58-71 days.
In six years, one female dog and her offspring can theoretically
produce 67,000 dogs.
Approximate number of animals shelters in the U.S.: 4,000 to 6,000.
Average number of animals handled by an animal shelter in the U.S. each year: 5 to 7% of the human population of a community (5,000 to 7,000 animals per year in a community of 100,000 people). Dona Ana Animal Shelter euthanizes approximately 12,000 to 14.000 per year.
Estimated number of animals entering U.S. animal shelters
annually: 8 to 12 million. One million puppies from households that produce litters, but not
placed in new homes. Strays. about 3.5 million. Owner surrender, about 1 million for euthanasia, 2 million for adoption.
Estimated percentage of lost animals reunited with their owners by U.S. animal shelters each year: 4% (cats) to 14% (dogs).
Estimated number of animals euthanized by U.S. animal shelter each year, because homes are not available: 4 to 6 million and because they are not wanted by anyone, anywhere. although the number of animals euthanized varies by geographic region, approximately 30-60% of all animals brought into animals shelters are euthanized nationwide. This amounts to 13,698.63 pets killed each day, 570.776 each hour, or 9.51 every minute of every day!!!!!
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STOP THE SUFFERING?
Spay and neuter your pet! In addition to saving lives, spaying and neutering can also drastically improve your pet's health and life expectancy. The idea that pets become fat or lazy when they are spayed or neutered is a myth. Sterilized pets lead healthier, longer lives,
with greatly reduced risk of breast cancer. Neutering a male reduces the risk of both prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Neutering also will make your pet more affectionate and
less likely to roam.
Bring or mail your
tax-deductible donation to the SNAP office at 365 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces, NM 88005