This classic letter was written many years ago by a shelter worker to a friend who was planning to breed her dog. It remains one of the most compelling arguments available for spaying and neutering.

Adapted with permission from Shelter Life, the newsletter of the Humane Society of Huron Valley, Michigan

Dear Mary,

This letter is about the dog and cat overpopulation problem in general, and the question of your breeding “Annie” in particular. If you don’t want to read it, for heaven’s sake, throw it out.

I’ve been taught to despise people who use shock tactics and hysteria to make points—that if you have good reasons for what you say and present your thoughts clearly, people will listen. I don’t know. I’m a different person than I was six months ago, before I began working at the humane society, and this change wasn’t brought about by logical arguments. It was brought about by experiences, a lot of them painful and some shocking. I don’t want to hurt you, but if I’m to communicate my feelings, I’m going to have to tell you about some painful things.

 Read the full letter.