I recently learned of a horrific situation in which a person addicted to several substances was breeding English Bulldogs with no knowledge of the breed. This man had 11 dogs in a two-bedroom condo. He had six puppies housed in filthy cages. Those pups had never been outside, never seen a vet and never been socialized in any way. He had the parents of the pups as well as three young females. He was planning on breeding all four of the females with the same male, however living in close quarters with four unspayed females caused the male to act aggressively.

First, the man called a rescue group to come get two of the young females. Next, he called back to have the rescue take the other young female. Finally, he called again to have the rescue get the puppies because he had not had any luck in selling them. About an hour before they were to go to the man's condo, he called to say he had put the male down and given the pups away.

This rescue group will probably still end up saving some of those same puppies when the people that took them decide they don't want to spend the money necessary to provide for their health. Of course by then, they will be full-grown, perhaps poorly socialized, perhaps with behavioral problems and much harder to place in the future. This is the U.S. where anyone can breed a dog without restrictions.

Four million dogs will be euthanized this year in the United States because there just aren't enough homes. Paws4Ever stresses spaying and neutering for all dogs, but it isn't enough to solve the problem. It is time to set requirements, fees, inspections and fines. It is time to insist on education and understanding of this important issue.

Sharon Harkavay is the education and community event coordinator of Paws4Ever.