World Spay Day

Today, February 28, 2012 is World Spay Day. This special day is celebrated as part of Spay/Neuter Awareness Month. Announced by the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International this event highlights part of an annual celebration promoting spay/neuter programs as an effective and proven method of saving animals’ lives.  Proudly sponsoring World Spay Day 2012 are the ASPCA, PetSmart Charities, The Doris Day Animal Foundation, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association and the House Rabbit Society.

Founded by The Doris Day Animal League and Doris Day Animal Foundation as Spay Day USA in 1995, by 2011, the program grew to include people participating from 46 countries. This successful campaign has proven to be highly effective with over one million cats and dogs spayed or neutered since its initiation.

To commemorate Spay/Neuter Awareness Month hundreds of events have been taking place throughout the United States and also in several countries around the world, culminating in World Spay Day. These events include no-cost and low cost spay/neuter clinics to help low-income families, programs geared to educate pet owners about the importance of spaying and neutering pets, and fund-raisers for neuter/spay programs.

By bringing together these events, which are organized by local animal welfare organizations, animal rights advocates and veterinary professionals, World Spay Day cultivates worldwide activity; interest and awareness about the importance of neuter/spay programs. It also unites folks who care about the welfare of animals for the chance to get together unifying their common goal to find a solution to end the senseless euthanasia of the homeless and suffering companion animals, stray dogs and feral cats.

In commenting on this campaign, the famous actress, Doris Day said, "I am thrilled to see how far we have come since our early work with the Doris Day Animal League to the work now being done by the Doris Day Animal Foundation in conjunction with the Humane Society of the United States to encourage spay/neuter worldwide. From the beginning of Spay Day USA in 1995 to now seeing it celebrated in 46 countries. It is truly marvelous what all of us working together can do.”

And Doris Day couldn’t have been more eloquent. With the increasing awareness her organization, coupled with the tireless work of all animal advocacy groups bringing to public awareness the message concerning how crucial neuter/spay surgery is for companion animals, the health of the lives of many precious pets will not only be enhanced, but one day will hopefully eradicate the over population of dogs and cats around the world.

What will you do to celebrate World Spay Day? Share about it in a comment.