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Why is non-surgical sterilization important?
Each year 6-8 million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters and 3-4 million are euthanized. The majority of shelter animals euthanized are healthy, adoptable pets, put down for no reason other than the lack of a home. The problem of pet overpopulation is even more severe in developing nations where minimal resources are dedicated to controlling the animal population and the welfare of homeless animals.
Animal welfare experts have long recognized sterilization as a key solution in the fight against pet overpopulation. Surgical spay/neuter procedures are the current standard for sterilizing cats and dogs, but are not an ideal approach. These procedures are quite safe and effective, but require general anesthesia and an adequately equipped surgical facility. These components create obstacles including high costs, transportation of animals and inherent health risks involved with surgery. A single dose, non-surgical sterilant that could be administered in the field at a reasonable cost would be an ideal solution. Such a product would save lives and end suffering for millions of companion animals worldwide. What is the rationale for the Michelson Prize and Grants in Reproductive Biology? Animal health researchers have pursued pet contraceptives and non-surgical sterilants for years, but a breakthrough product has yet to emerge. Meanwhile, basic biology research has surged forward and many new technologies are on the horizon. By offering the Michelson Prize in Reproductive Biology, Found Animals hopes to encourage researchers from a variety of fields to take on the challenge of non-surgical sterilization for dogs and cats. By incentivizing scientists who may have been unaware of the issue of pet overpopulation to get involved, Found Animals hopes an innovative solution will come to light quickly. The Foundation recognizes the research required to develop and test pharmaceuticals takes time and money; and many interested parties may not have access to the resources needed to initiate and maintain this research. For that reason, Found Animals is also offering the companion Michelson Grants in Reproductive Biology which will provide funding for promising research in pursuit of non-surgical sterilization technology. |
