1. SPCH 1311-7426-OL

2. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. These are healthy, sweet pets who would have made great companions.

3. You can reduce the numbers of homeless animals by spaying and neutering your family pets. We must stop our friends and families from letting their pets have litters. Yes, your pet's offspring could be shelter animals. Spaying/neutering could significantly help reduce the number of homeless animals. Many people want to have their pets spayed or neutered, but they can’t afford it. But there are many shelters, veterinarians, and organizations who are ready and able to help if you ask.

4. Did you know that 25% of the dogs that are in the shelter a pure bred? There are millions of animals needing home that could end up being euthanized if not adopted. Don’t adopt from the puppy mills or a pet store, help the animals in shelters.

5. Foster homes provide temporary homes for animal that are too young, injured or with nursing mothers until they are ready to be placed for adoption. For more information on foster care: http://www.spca.org/page.aspx?pid=230

6. Use your free time to help your local animal shelter. Volunteering is not only a rewarding experience but you will be helping not only the animals but the people who run the shelter as well.

7. Pet shelters are always in need of supplies. Contact a local animal shelter to find out what items they are in need of. You may also want to donate money.

8. Animal Cruelty is the crime of inflicting physical pain, suffering or death on an animal, usually a tame one, beyond necessity for normal discipline. It can include neglect that is so monstrous (withholding food and water) that the animal has suffered, died or been put in imminent danger of death. If you know someone who is abusing an animal, report them, even if the abuse is unintentional.

9. Our Class volunteered at an animal shelter. We experienced what it was like to see the animals in cages and the excitement they had when they were let out.

10. The city of Bedford has a very nice facility and is always in need of donations. They have dogs and cats of all ages and sizes.

16. http://animalsheltering.org/ http://www.humanesociety.org http://www.spca.org/