Every year in the United States, an estimated 6 to 8 million lost, abandoned, or unwanted dogs and cats enter animal shelters and nearly 4 million—many of them healthy, young, loving and trusting are killed.

After hearing that the Obama administration was launching a new website called “We the People” that allows users to create their own petitions, PETA teamed up with Bob Barker to petition for a mandatory spay-and-neuter law.

According to a PETA press release, one unspayed female cat and her offspring can create 420,000 cats in just seven years, and an unneutered male can father limitless litters of kittens.

If the petition reaches 5,000 supporters, the Obama administration will review it and issue an official response.

While this proposal is an important first step, there’s a lot more we can do to make America a no-kill nation for cats and dogs. This excellent article includes some great strategies that can get you started.

Homeless Dog Image Source: spotreporting/Flickr