Animal Overpopulation

     Describe and Interpret:  What do the words, "Animal Overpopulation" mean?  I am sure that these words mean different things to different people.  In my personal opinion, animal overpopulation means that people are not having their pets spayed and neutered and there are many, many animals being produced because of this.  When pets are not spayed or neutered, they are able to reproduce.  There are so many animals that are out on the streets, in animal centers, or unable to find homes due to overpopulation.  It is imperative to educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering pets.

     Through volunteering at the Wake County Animal Center, I have learned that although the center can house hundreds of animals, it is important to control the population of animals.  Unfortunately, if animals have diseases and continue to reproduce, the disease is being spread.  It is so important to control animal population to ensure that all of these animals find homes and less animals spend time at local animal centers.  This class has brought my attention to animal overpopulation and I am going to continue to advocate to spay and neuter pets and to think about adopting a pet from a local animal center.  I want to be an advocate in the community for adopting from an animal center and helping people to understand what animal overpopulation truly is.

     The sad part about animal overpopulation is that many people do not have the experiences that we in this class do and it simply falls behind a long list of daily priorities and other tasks that must get accomplished.  People do not spend time thinking about ways to control the animal overpopulation.  It's one of those, "I'm just one person so what could I possibly do about this" kind of issues.  However, we must inform others that although you are only one individual, you can have a huge impact on animal overpopulation.  Make the decision to spay or neuter your pet and encourage others that you know to do the same.  Also, encourage others to visit a local animal center and adopt an animal.  These animals need homes and love, too.

     Evaluate:  Although our society has many members such as the people in our photography class who are well informed about animal overpopulation and the seriousness of this topic; there are also many people who do not know what these words mean and how this impacts our society.  We have to make sure that our voices are heard and that people are receiving information and know the facts about animal overpopulation.  This is why the pamphlets, brochures, and newsletters in the three step plan I thought of would be beneficial.  These could help reach more of the public and help get the word out about animal overpopulation.  I believe that although we our society is making great strides in combating animal overpopulation, we must continue to make this a priority and not "something that can wait until later."


     The following photos are a few of my favorites that I have captured throughout my volunteer experience at the Wake County Animal Center: 

Chief Finn 71816
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray
Photo Taken: May 30th, 2012

    

Skylar 71775
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray
Photo Taken: June 6th, 2012

Prestone 71054
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray
Photo Taken: June 6th, 2012

Shelley 71475
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray
Photo Taken: May 20th, 2012

Gorganzola 67022
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray
Photo Taken: May 30th, 2012

Brownie 72477
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray
Photo Taken: June 6th, 2012

Roger 72068
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray
Photo Taken: May 30th, 2012

Tank 69009
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray
Photo Taken: June 6th, 2012

Dori 72332
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray
Photo Taken: June 6th, 2012

Buddy 70976
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Murray
Photo Taken: May 16th, 2012