“Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” 

– George Santayana

Who keeps the spirit of prevention alive in animal welfare? In ancient times, people carried fire along with them – coals in a pot, a clay-lined basket, or a hollowed-out stone. Fire was precious, a matter of survival for the whole community, and someone had the vital role of “keeping the flame” – safeguarding it, nourishing it, ensuring it could be passed on. 

The spay/neuter movement is our flame in animal welfare, and it too must be safeguarded. 

This movement began in the 1990s, sparked by the urgent need to curb the overwhelming number of animals entering shelters – far beyond the number who could find loving homes. The solution became clear. We needed a preventative approach – public health for pets. By preventing unplanned litters, we could tackle this crisis at its roots.

A Movement With Impact

Public health relies on preventing problems before they start. Some in animal welfare saw that preventing litters would be the solution to the growing problem of too many cats and too many dogs. Prevention is always less costly, more effective and more efficient than trying to solve problems after they escalate. 

When the spay/neuter movement took hold, it achieved incredible things. In 1990, around twelve million cats and dogs were euthanized annually – an unimaginable number. Something had to be done.

What happened over the next twenty years was unprecedented and, to some extent, unexpected. 

Relentless networking, dedicated follow-up, and funding targeted toward prevention made a profound difference. By spreading awareness and connecting people across states, we reduced unplanned litters and saw euthanasia rates drop nearly 80%, from twelve million in 1990 to around three million in 2010. 

During that time, our network published articles, newsletters, and letters to the editor; they built networks and rallied communities; they collaborated with public health and animal control. We organized state, regional, and national conferences in 1993, 2000, and 2008.

The Flame Fades

But as the years passed, the flame began to flicker. From 2010 to 2024, support and funding for spay/neuter prevention dwindled, while an emphasis on rescue, adoption, and transport took its place. Though crucial in their own right, these responses cannot replace prevention. Without dedicated spay/neuter efforts, the number of animals in shelters – and those turned away – is climbing once again. The term “compassion fatigue” and the challenges of “kitten season” have become all too familiar. There is much talk about “no-kill” – yet without a strong emphasis on spay/neuter, true “no-kill” is not possible.

The tremendous progress of the spay/neuter movement, which led to 9 million fewer animals being euthanized each year, is at risk. 

Rekindling the Flame

We must bring fresh energy – oxygen – to rekindle this flame. This means securing funding, fostering community involvement, strengthening our marketing efforts, and drawing new people to join the cause. Without a renewed focus on spay/neuter prevention, the outlook for animals is dire, with shelters stretched beyond capacity and countless animals left with nowhere to turn.

Who will step up to keep the flame alive? It is not just a responsibility; it is an urgent calling for all of us who care deeply about animals and a humane future. Together, we can fan the spark of prevention into a bright, enduring flame once again.

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