Over four million pets at risk of deadly conditions

PDSA urges owners to protect pets by neutering

NEW research from PDSA has revealed that 4.4 million pets are un-neutered, leaving them in danger of life-threatening illnesses.

Vet charity PDSA today warned many much-loved family pets’ lives are at risk, as nearly three million dogs, 770,000 cats and 720,000 rabbits are un-neutered.

The charity’s vets are urging owners to get their pets neutered – a potentially life-saving, simple procedure that can help pets live longer, healthier lives.

The PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report, revealed why pets aren’t neutered. The main reason given by owners was ‘Haven’t thought about it’ (22 per cent), followed by ‘Don’t believe in it’ (16 per cent) and ‘Not got round to it’ (14 per cent).

PDSA vet Rebecca Ashman said: ‘Sadly, vet practices across the UK see the devastating consequences of leaving pets un-neutered all too often. Many cancers can be prevented by neutering, as can horrendous life-threatening conditions such as womb infections.

‘As well as avoiding unwanted litters, neutering can have many health benefits. We all love our pets, so it’s important to prevent potential problems arising when we can. I’d highly recommend owners speak to their vet to avoid future heartache.’

Myths and misconceptions may also be partly to blame for some owners choosing against neutering their pets, as Rebecca explained: ‘As a vet, I’ve heard many reasons why people are reluctant to have their pets neutered, ranging from worrying it will emasculate their pets, to concern about denying a pet’s parental rights.

‘The reality is that animals don’t experience emotions in the same way we do.’

For more advice from PDSA vets about neutering, visit www.pdsa. org.uk/neutering.