The ISPCA launched the annual SpayAware public awareness campaign which aims to urge pet owners to do their part by spaying or neutering their pets to help reduce the high number of unwanted cats and dogs in Ireland.

ISPCA CEO Dr Andrew Kelly said: “We are urging pet owners to spay or neuter their pets as early as possible to prevent unwanted litters of kittens and puppies. The procedure brings many positive health benefits which includes reducing the risk of certain cancers, curbing unwanted sexual behaviour and preventing unwanted offspring. In nearly all cases, spaying or neutering is best for your pet and the ISPCA is encouraging all pet owners to contact their local vet for advice and to discuss the positive benefits for their pets. Don't wait until it’s too late, go to your vet and get it done now”.

Dr Kelly added: “We are delighted PJ is backing the campaign again this year. As a top comedian, he’s the perfect choice to convey the message that pet overpopulation is no joke. It is vital that all pet owners play their part in tackling this issue by ensuring their cats and dogs are spayed or neutered.

Top comedian and radio presenter PJ Gallagher backs the ISPCA calling on pet owners to support the campaign which is essential in reducing the overpopulation problems of unwanted animals around the country. He said: “they will multiply if you let them”. PJ is also encouraging potential pet owners to give a loving home to rescue animals that end up in shelters through no fault of their own. This is another important way of working towards the reduction of pet overpopulation problem.

The ISPCA is delighted that also supporting the campaign is best-selling author and model Rosanna Davison along with vet, broadcaster and author Pete Wedderburn.

SpayAware has the support of Veterinary Ireland, with member vets displaying the posters and fact sheets in animal clinics and surgeries across the country. Posters are also being displayed in animal welfare centres, local authority offices, dog pounds, pet stores and other community venues and are available for download here by request by emailing campaigns@ispca.ie.

Some facts about the positive benefits of Spaying or Neutering your pets

Neutering is a procedure where males are castrated meaning removing the testicles preventing the risk of testicular cancer.

In male dogs and cats, neutering can reduce urine marking, roaming, preventing illness and some unwanted behaviours. The procedure is very simple and completed under anaesthetic and the recovery time is usually quick. Your cat or dog will need to be dropped off at the vets, and picked up again later that same day.

Spaying is a procedure under anaesthetic where the womb and the ovaries are removed preventing uterus infections and cancers. Animal usually recover quickly. It’s a myth that your pets will gain weight and your local veterinary practitioner will provide advice on a suitable diet to suit the breed and size of your pet.

Neutering & Spaying can reduce the risk of them being stolen for breeding.

paying prevents females coming into season, when they may attract unwanted male attention and become pregnant. When your female cat is about four-months-old, she will start to attract the attention of male cats. This is why Spaying is important at four-months old to protect her from getting pregnant while she's still a kitten herself.

Neutering can stop male cats from spraying in your house marking his territory, which can be foul smelling. Neutering tends to prevent wandering so helping male cats stay closer to home and less likely to getting nasty injuries from fighting between male cats over a female.

Talk to your vet who will assess your cat and dog to help you weigh up the benefits of spaying or neutering in relation to your pet's individual health and circumstances.

As part of the SpayAware campaign, the ISPCA is also asking people who are thinking about getting a pet to give abandoned animals a chance by adopting a cat or dog from a rescue shelter run by the ISPCA or other animal welfare charity.

• SpayAware Dog Poster Man Up and Neuter
• SpayAware Cat Poster It's Cuter to Neuter
• SpayAware Dog Factsheet
• SpayAware Cat Factsheet