A recent American Veterinary Medical Association report disputes claims by proponents of government imposed spay and neuter surgeries that dogs should be spayed or neutered for population control reasons, or that spay and neuter is always healthy for pets.
This report from the American Veterinary Medical Association finds adverse effects from spay and neuter include increased risks of prostate cancer, bone cancer, bladder cancer, hemangiosarcoma, obesity, diabetes, aggression, ligament rupture, and complications from surgery.
After reviewing the risks and benefits associated with spay and neuter of cats and dogs, the report concludes:
- Pets should be considered individually, with the understanding that for these pets, population control is a less important concern than is health of each animal.
- Veterinarians and owners must consider the benefits and detriments of gonadectomy for each animal.
- It behooves veterinarians dedicated to the provision of the best possible care for animals to educate clients and evaluate each animal carefully when making recommendations regarding gonadectomy.
That's the latest word from America's leading association of veterinarians. The best interests of the individual patient are what should determine when or whether a pet should be spayed or neutered. This is a medical decision, to be decided by a pet owner in consultation with their veterinarian.
California Veterinarians agreed when mandatory spay and neuter was proposed by Dr. Ron Faoro at the state level. They rejected any support for such a measure. Like other reasonable Californians they agree that one size does not fit all, and surgery should not be imposed by the government.
CDOC supports voluntary spay and neuter We introduced the only bill that will generate money for that. But we know that spay and neuter of owned dogs when they are puppies, before they mature, will leave them with health and behavior problems and an appearance no in keeping with their breed.