Why Sterilisation Matters

Sterilisation is the most effective and humane way to control stray animal populations. It is also one of the best things you can do for an animal’s health. Here is what it is, how it works, and why it matters.

What is sterilisation?

Sterilisation is a surgical procedure that prevents an animal from reproducing. For females, it is called spaying: the ovaries and uterus are removed. For males, it is called neutering: the testes are removed. Both procedures are routine, safe, and performed under anaesthesia by a veterinarian.

The overpopulation crisis

Millions of stray dogs and cats live on India’s streets. Most are the result of unplanned litters. Without sterilisation, a single unspayed female dog and her offspring can produce thousands of puppies over a few generations. These animals struggle to find food, shelter, and medical care. Overcrowding in shelters leads to disease, suffering, and euthanasia.

Health benefits

• Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections and significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer.
• Neutering prevents testicular cancer and reduces prostate problems.
• Both procedures are safest when done before the animal reaches sexual maturity.

Behavioural benefits

• Sterilised animals are less likely to roam in search of mates, which means fewer fights, fewer injuries, and fewer road accidents.
• Aggression often decreases, especially in males.
• Spraying and marking behaviour is reduced.

Community impact

Fewer stray animals means fewer animals on the road, less conflict with residents, and a lower risk of rabies and other diseases. It also means shelters and rescue organisations can focus their limited resources on the animals already in their care, rather than an endless stream of new litters.

How AMTM does it

AMTM runs a continuous CNVR programme: Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release. Animals are humanely caught, brought to our hospital, sterilised, vaccinated against rabies, and returned to their territory. They live out their lives without producing more litters and without spreading disease.