Texas is overpopulated with unwanted and/or homeless animals. Public and private shelters are continuously at maximum occupancy, with many being euthanized. This is a horrendous problem that has gone on too long. Pet overpopulation comes from irresponsible people who allow their pets to remain unsterilized, roam free to breed at will or purposefully breeding (backyard breeding), which creates a burden on our communities. Euthanasia is a stressful, depressing, grueling task for individuals to have to endure.

Cats can have 40 litters in their lifetime, with an average of 6 kittens per litter for a total of 240 kittens.

According to the American Humane Association, 56 percent of dogs and 71 percent of cats that enter animal shelters are euthanized (nationwide).

The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (see www.petpopulation.org), estimated that roughly 64% of the total number of animals entering animal shelters in the United States were euthanized.

Houston's Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC) euthanizes approximately 80% of animals entering, which is significant compared to other public shelters.

The private shelters in Houston also have a high kill rate ranging from 45% - 85% (sourced from Houston Animal Protection Task Force Report, 2005).

Please support developing a licensure that would only grant permission to breed to highly qualified, trained individuals who are breeding quality dogs to maintain a certain breed standard. The existence of this plan would significantly reduce the number of dog/cat sales in newspapers, online sites and  'side of the road' sellers.

Action needs to be taken now to aid in reducing the pet population and high euthanasia rates, especially in Houston.