The APS of Orange County participated in the National Spay Day USA event sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States on Monday. All across the country, various animal shelters and rescue centers participated in different ways, all with the goal of trying to reduce the pet overpopulation problem. The APS performed 12 spay/neuter surgeries for no cost for 12 area families that met low-income guidelines. Six dogs and six cats are now likely to lead healthier, longer and happier lives thanks to this valuable surgery. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 6 million to 8 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year, mostly due to uncontrolled breeding. Of those animals, 25 percent are purebreds. Approximately half of all animals entering shelters are euthanized each year. Yes, 3 million to 4 million animals pay for our human carelessness with their lives! Communities spend millions of tax dollars annually to care for lost, abandoned and unwanted pets and millions more to destroy those that do not find homes. People need to be aware that a female cat and her offspring can produce as many as 420,000 kittens in seven years while a female dog and her offspring can produce as many as 67,000 puppies in six years. Male pets can produce hundreds upon hundreds of offspring during their breeding years as well. Remember to do your part as a responsible pet owner. Protect your pet from many cancers, help your pet to be more content and less likely to stray, and help to reduce the pet-overpopulation crisis. Spay and neuter!