The nearest animal shelter is in Eden NC. People don't need to waste money on gas to get that far when we can have one in Madison. It would be a more convenient way for people to strengthen the community and bring in pets in need. If people cared about animals as much as they do about recycling in this world, they could put an end to pet overpopulation. Over 8 million dogs and cats are killed in county shelters and humane societies every year. These unwanted pets are the result of irresponsible pet owners allowing their pets to breed and run free, creating the problem of pet overpopulation. Many of these lost animals could end up on the laboratory table. Millions more lose their lives to starvation, disease, moving vehicles and owner abuse. Puppies sold in pet stores are raised in "puppy mills," breeding kennels that house dogs in cramped, dirty conditions. Females are bred until their bodies fail and then they are killed. All of these deaths are preventable.- ("The Causes of Pet Overpopulation"). This is a problem that comes from the owner letting their pet run wild, which is causing an increase in pet overpopulation. The only way to prevent this overpopulation is to neuter these pets to stop the prevention ("Pet Overpopulation"). The American Humane Association encourages the veterinary profession to help reduce the number of unwanted pets whenever possible. This involvement includes supporting the neutering of dogs and cats adopted from public or private animal care and control facilities, thereby controlling the offspring's continued contribution to pet overpopulation ("Pet