1. ANGEL OCHOA Stray Animals in Merced

3. Why are there so many stray animals in Merced? Herzog is the only animal control officer and she answers this in the Merced Sun-Star saying “You have people that just will not spay or neuter their animal, and that’s where you get all the strays running around” Veterinarian Dr. Christine McFadden aggreans fully with this statement.

4. Why would you not spay or neuter your pet? Unable to afford the operation Wanting to make a profit through breeding Not enough time Misconceptions * Answers given through small survey.

5. How many stray animals are we talking about here in Merced? In the Merced County Times the data released that 2,026 animals were rescued. Out of the 2,026 animals rescued only 303 were adopted and 320 were returned to owners.

6. What kind of animals would be left out on the streets? The animals that were once the owners best friend. The same kind of dog and cats we have or at one point wanted. Sweet loving animals who were brought into the world through a breeder and not sold.

7. So what can we do to fix this? We Educate!!

8. The younger generation Remember when you were little and wanted an animal of some sort? Yes we all had that point in time. Well we probably tried and convinced our parents and legal guardians to get us a pet, right? Well lets start with them.

9. Forth grade. When we first start to learn responsibility(some of us) Start with a check sheet!

10. What to consider? Can my family and I afford this pet?  Vet care  Spaying-Shampoo  Food-Toys  Bed-Ect. Do my family and I have the time to care for this pet? -Walks-Affection -Play time-Feeding and taking care of  Can my family and I make a commitment to this pet? They live a full life. -Up to sixteen yrs maybe with this pet if a cat or dog

11. Get the parents involved!! Make sure parents sign off the check list and send another form about what is a good animal for the childs age group. http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/kids-and-pets/the- right-pet-for-your-childs-age.aspx http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/kids-and-pets/the- right-pet-for-your-childs-age.aspx Print or send the link via email.

12. Finally Make sure there is a form for the importance of spaying and neutering animals. Explain how Merced has a large number of stray animals and to really consider adopting rather than buy from a underground breeder.

13. For the kids who do not pass checklist When everyone has filled out papers and the kids are excited schedule a visitor from the shelter to explain the importance of when is a good time to have a pet but the shelter always needs someone to go and play with the animals.

14. How will this work? Fundraisers