Humane Society urges sterilization

The Humane Society of Utah surgically sterilized a record 10,000-plus animals in its clinic during 2007 and also found good new homes for an impressive 89 percent of its adoptable shelter animals.

"The only way to end the problem of homeless and unwanted animals is through spaying and neutering, and through finding good homes for the ones already in shelters," said Gene Baierschmidt, HSU executive director.

"This year's figures represent a milestone for us, and we hope to be able to eliminate the need to euthanize adoptable animals altogether within the next few years."

The Humane Society of Utah is an "open-access" facility, which means it will accept virtually every animal brought there. In light of that fact, said Baierschmidt, the organization had a very good year and did a great deal to help ameliorate the pet overpopulation problem. The society attributes much of its success to the utilization of technological advances, such as showcasing its animals on its Web site and the electronic message center on I-15.

The shelter is also open for adoptions seven days a week and has in the past few years revised its policies to make it easier for people to adopt.

"Everyone needs to take a hard, sobering look at the statistics. Consider the fact that in six short years, one female dog and her offspring can give birth to hundreds of puppies, and a cat reproduces even more prolifically," Baierschmidt said. "If each of us makes a commitment to prevent our own animals from breeding indiscriminately, we can get a handle on pet overpopulation. The bottom line is education — every citizen needs to realize how huge the problem is, how enormous is the amount of needless suffering and loss of life, and how easy it would be to reduce those figures drastically by simply doing the enlightened, responsible thing."

The HSU shelter is located at 4242 S. 300 West, and is open for adoptions from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Spay and neuter surgeries are done by appointment only, and can be scheduled by calling 261-2919, Ext. 230.