To The Editor: While the warm weather brings a nice change from the harsh winter weather, it also brings the proliferation of unwanted litters of kittens and puppies that often end up in the county shelter. Cape May County, along with many other counties in the state, has a serious animal overpopulation problem that could be greatly reduced by owners taking responsibility and spaying and neutering their pets (with the exception of experienced breeders and working dogs). I always advise our clients of the great benefits of spaying and neutering of companion dogs and cats. Although female animals have the most to benefit from a health standpoint, most all animals will obtain some benefits from spaying and neutering. Spaying and neutering helps to reduce companion animal overpopulation. Most countries have a surplus of companion animals and are forced to euthanize or disregard their great suffering. The surplus is in the millions in the United States. Cats are 45 times as prolific, and dogs 15 times as prolific, as humans. They do not need our help to expand their numbers; they need our help to reduce their numbers until there are good homes for them all. Sterilization of your cat or dog will increase his/her chance of a longer and healthier life. Altering your canine friend will increase his life an average of one to three years, felines, three to five years. Altered animals have a very low to no risk of mammary gland tumors/cancer, prostate cancer, perianal tumors, pyometria, and uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers. Sterilizing your cat/dog makes him/her a better pet, reducing his/her urge to roam and decreasing the risk of contracting diseases or getting hurt as they roam. Surveys indicate that as many as 85 percent of dogs hit by cars are unaltered. Intact male cats living outside have been shown to live on average less than two years. Feline Immunodeficiency Syndrome is spread by bites and intact cats fight a great deal more than altered cats. Many owners can spay and neuter their pets for only $10 at most veterinary clinics under the state sterilization program. There are also clinics available for those in financial need. I encourage all pet owners to discuss the pros and cons with their veterinarian and help reduce the surplus animal overpopulation problem in the county. DR. NICK HOLLAND Shore Veterinarians Seaville