PETA agrees with a recent letter writer who said animal guardians must act responsibly. That’s why we’re advocating for a sensible, humane law requiring dogs to be walked at least three times a day for exercise and opportunities to relieve themselves. This isn’t too much to ask; it’s the very least we owe dogs, who depend on us for all their needs.
Our animal companions rely on us for everything: food, water, veterinary care, shelter, protection and enrichment, including the physical and mental activity they need. When guardians neglect these responsibilities, animals suffer. Sadly, many people won’t do the right thing unless the law requires it.
We also agree that unnecessary breeding must end. And with millions of homeless animals in shelters and on the streets, all breeding is unnecessary. That’s why PETA champions spay/neuter legislation nationwide, and invests millions annually to prevent more animals from being born only to end up homeless or abused.
Last year alone, we spent $3 million providing free spay/neuter surgeries, veterinary care, food, grooming and other essentials to animals whose guardians couldn’t afford them. Our four mobile clinics have sterilized more than 247,000 animals since 2001 at little or no cost, and we even offer free round-trip transport for those who need it. We also helped more than 3,000 families keep their animals last year by providing medical services, food, behavioral support and more.
We hope our proposed dog-walking law encourages guardians to take their canine companions’ feelings and needs seriously. And we urge everyone to join us in ending animal overpopulation and homelessness: Please, always spay and neuter, and never buy animals from pet stores or breeders.
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