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I believe MSN's are both enforceable and practical, if written in ways that protect and promote the cause of true breed fanciers. Legitimate breeders are not the problem. Backyard breeders, puppy/kitten millers, and people who permit intact animals to roam freely are the problem. While it's often argued that neutering is a personal choice that government shouldn't infringe upon, irresponsible pet owners, their pets, and their intact offspring often end up being someone else's problem.

How do these animals end up being other peoples' problem? The total yearly cost, to taxpayers nationwide to house homeless animals, is $2 billion. 8-10 million animals end up in shelters every year, 6-8 million are ultimately euthanized. (http://www.sniksnak.com/overpopulation.html) Not only is this a burden on taxpayers, but more stray animals increase the risk of diseases such as rabies. This is a public health/safety issue as well as an animal issue.

Backyard breeders are a big part of this problem. Unlike AKC or CFA breed fanciers, backyard breeders produce animals primarily for money. They aren't diligent about researching pedigrees and bloodlines, or breeding for temperment. The animals they breed are often cross-breeds not recognized by any purebreed registry. BYB's also aren't particular about the homes the pets are placed in, and don't typically offer to take them back if something doesn't work out. The offspring of such breedings are very likely to be relinquished to a shelter or abandoned at some point.

People who run puppy/kitten mills (large-scale breeding facilities that lack basic and veterinary care) are contributers to the problem for the same reason as backyard breeders. Pet mill owners are irresponsible and are likely to end up having their animals seized as a result of cruelty or neglect charges. Animals seized from such facilities often have to be housed in municipal shelters, at taxpayer expense.

A large chunk of the stray population is made up of kittens born to intact cats allowed to roam freely. Pregnant outside cats will often have their litters in places they consider safe, often resulting in their babies being born on someone else's property. Loose female dogs in heat are also a problem. Intact males pursuing such females often become aggressive, form packs, and cause fights. Even in areas where bitches in heat are required to be confined, some owners will ignore the laws.

How do we end pet overpopulation caused by ignorance

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