Helmenstine 1

Samantha Helmenstine
Mrs. DeBock
English 4
3 March 2016
Effects of Domestic Animal Overpopulation
Overpopulation of domestic animals has become a dire problem in nearly every human
society across the globe. The population of domestic animals has been growing expeditiously,
resulting in a variety of problems. Domestic animal overpopulation creates a growing number of
unwanted and abandoned domestic animals, in addition to posing a threat to natural ecosystems
and placing an economic burden on the United States.
Initially, the overpopulation of domestic animals has been linked to the growing
population of abandoned and abused animals. When referring to domestic animals, the term
overpopulation is generally understood to refer to those pets that are not finding homes for any
reason, including size, age, breed, or appearance (Tom). According to Tom, It is impossible to
accurately determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States; animal shelters
estimate that there may be up to seventy million stray cats alone. These unfortunate number are
only continuing to grow, rather than decrease. Even more disheartening, abandoned animals
often end up back in shelters, where they may be forced to live in unhealthy conditions or killed
to make room for new arrivals (Rich). Similarly, other domestic animals such as livestock
animals, are often kept in poor conditions and treated more like tools than living creatures
(Rich). Though abandonment is sometimes seen as necessary, many see it as a form of animal
cruelty and as one of the most regrettable consequences of overpopulation (Issitt). These
abandoned and neglected domestic animals are an example of the need to educate the public

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about the reality of animal overpopulation and make ethical decisions about how to deal with the
problem (Rich).
Additionally, the overpopulation of domestic animals pose threats to the environment.
The growing number of abandoned pets contribute to the destruction and degradation of natural
ecosystems (Issitt). In consonance with Issitt, Domestic animals not only prey on wild animals,
they also destroy their habitats and deplete their resources, making them a significant
environmental concern. Peculiarly, the growing number of pets have lead to the death of
animals that are domesticated and are contributing to the death of animals that live in the wild.
Domestic animals also have been linked to the extinction of at least eight island bird species and
the severe reduction of several small mammal species in Australia, where feral cats have been
designated an invasive species (Issitt). The problems resulting from the overpopulation of
domestic animals has only gotten worse by constituting a danger to wildlife, human health, and
safety (Issitt).
Lastly, the overpopulation of domestic animals has placed an economic burden on the
United States. For example, catching, feeding, and caring for unwanted animals costs taxpayers
and private agencies millions of dollars each year, as do adoption and education programs (Tom).
Other continuing costs are being generated by the euthanization and disposal of animals that go
unadopted (Tom). Some believe the answer to the problem of overpopulation is killing the
animals, while others believe animals should not be euthanized. In theory, no-kill shelters sound
humane, but the millions in tax dollars required to care for all the animals that end up in these
shelters make them increasingly impractical (Rich). The overpopulation of domestic animals will
continue to pose an economic problem for human society unless educating consumers about how
to control the population through spaying and neutering becomes a priority (Rich).

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Domestic animal overpopulation creates a growing number of unwanted and abandoned
domestic animals, in addition to posing a threat to natural ecosystems and placing an economic
burden on the United States. It is becoming critically important that education, cooperation, and
the willingness to make difficult choices become a part of human society in order to control
domestic animal overpopulation.

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Works Cited
Issitt, Micah, and David C. Morley. "Counterpoint: Domestic Animal Overpopulation Leads To
Ecological Destruction." Points Of View: Domestic Animal Overpopulation (2015): 3.
Points of View Reference Center. Web. 4 Feb. 2016.
Rich, Alex K., and Laura Finley. "Point: Overpopulation Of Domestic Animals Is Harmful To
Animals." Points Of View: Domestic Animal Overpopulation (2015): 2. Points of View
Reference Center. Web. 4 Feb. 2016.
Tom, Jennifer, and Sexton Warhol. "Domestic Animal Overpopulation Overview." Salem Press
Encyclopedia (2015): Research Starters. Web. 4 Feb. 2016.