Neutering/Population Control

Policy: PAC believes that interrupting the unplanned supply and production of dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets will eventually lead to a more stable pet population, the majority of which it is hoped will be more cherished and highly valued as companion animals and therefore less likely to be abandoned or casually relinquished.  There are currently more pets being born than good homes available.

Surgical neutering, except for ferrets, is the most proven, effective, (and with the only realistic alternative being the euthanasia of unwanted animals, morally acceptable) method of population control and PAC strongly supports its members, many of whom actively encourage, financially support and enable  owners to get their pets neutered.  The breeding of ferrets may be controlled by chemical means.

Background: Many thousands of unplanned kittens, puppies and kits grow up to become unwanted cats, dogs and rabbits.  These unplanned offspring of domestic pets are cheaper and easier to obtain than those from other sources and far less likely to be homed with vaccinations, insurance, appropriate advice on care and ongoing support as those from responsible breeders and rescue organisations. 

Unneutered pets are also more likely to stray, fight and become victims of road traffic accidents and cancers of the reproductive organs. PAC therefore strongly supports the neutering of companion animals for the good of the individual animal and the pet populations as a whole.