Pros And Cons Of Pet Sterilization

Despite the lack of autonomy involved with sterilization, there are several benefits that persuade people that it is an ethical decision. With nearly 90% of pet owners having their pet spayed or neutered (Risley-Curtiss, Holley & Wolf 2006, p.262), pet sterilization has clearly become a socially acceptable and expected behavior.
One of the major reasons why pet sterilization is acceptable is its benefits to the community. Cargill and Vargas (n.d.) state that it is ethically acceptable, moreover a responsibility, for humans to sterilize their domestic animals to properly solve the problem of overpopulation and provide an alternative to the “blue needle” . Similarly, many studies identified spaying and neutering (S/N) as the most effective method
to control this surge in numbers (Frank 2004, p.125; Yen et al. 2014, p.1024 and Voslářvá & Passantino 2012, p. 102) while some conservatively acknowledged it as a part of a larger scheme (McKenzie 2010, p. 2; Amaku, Dias & Ferreira 2009, p. 304 and Frank 2002, as cited in Frank & Carlisle-Frank 2006, p. 3). In addition, as the procedure controls fertility rates, literature credited S/N for preventing suffering of the animals and people as these reduce numbers of healthy animal companions euthanized. (Scarlett and Johnston 2012, p.62; Yen et al. 2014, p.1024; Payne 2015, p. 29; Voslářvá & Passantino 2012, p. 102 and Frank 2004, p.115).
Another benefit that justify the ethicality of sterilization is the medical advantages associated with it.
Many people opt for de-sexualising their pets as it prevents many diseases that are caused by sex hormones (Foster n.d. and Frimberger & Moore 2006, p. 1). For example, numerous studies have shown that it can play an important role in preventing mammary cancer (Schneider, Dorn, & Taylor 1969 as cited in Scarlett & Johnston 2012, p.66; Looney 1993, p.14; Polton 2009, p. 50; Johnston 1991, p.1207; Petrov et al. 2014, p. 130 and Frimberger & Moore 2006, p. 1). Some even proved that not only it prevents, but it can also aid in treatment of cancer and thus, prolong pet’s life (Johnston 1991, p.1207; Sorenmo, Shofer & Goldschmidt 2000, p. 269 and Frimberger & Moore 2006, p. 1). This procedure can also prevent many female-specific disorders such as vaginal prolapse and every pregnancy-associated disease (Scarlett and Johnston 2012, p. 66) while in males it can potentially reduce risks of all prostate disorders (Johnston 1991, p.1209). But there are ramifications to the topic and several literatures argue that S/N significantly increases chances of orthopaedic disorders and specific types of malignancy (Becker 2013; Herzog 2013; Sanborn, 2007, p. 2 and Polton 2009, p.
50).
As the surgery eliminates problematic copulatory behavior, a further reason that makes gonadectomy a socially expected and ethical decision is behavioral changes that benefits the owner.
Many people sterilize their pets to get a better behavior. Hodge (1976 as cited in Frank 2004, p.110) states that sterilization results in better temperament and Looney (1993, p.14) assures that the owner will benefit from these changes and pet’s calmer attitude. Research compiled by Landsberg (1996, p. 503; Beaver 2003 as cited in Lauber et al. 2007, p.128 and McKenzie 2010, p.4) found that castration noticeably reduce unacceptable behavior associated with copulation like urine marking, roaming, fighting, aggression, and mounting.
There are several benefits that justify the practice of sterilization, however, past literature had not yet identified the main one. Therefore, the purpose of this report is to investigate if the behavioural benefits are what primarily persuade people of the ethics of sterilization. Firstly, the report will explain the methodology, then, it will interpret the results of the investigation and lastly, the conclusion and recommendation for future study will be
discoursed.