Domestic animal overpopulation is a serious concern in Orange County, and citizens in the community should do their part to make sure it changes.

Most neighborhoods in the United States house a few homeless cats or dogs. The majority of us have even picked up one of these animals at one point in time and taken it to a shelter, hoping that it might have a chance.

But what about a 43 percent chance to live?

In 2009, 732 dogs and 1,040 cats were euthanized at the Orange County Animal Services department. This means that about five animals are euthanized a day, and close to half of the animals in the department were put to sleep.

Animals require responsibility — but it’s easy to forget that responsibility when you’re looking at a loving puppy’s eyes or fluffy kitten fur.

People of all ages pick up animals but do so without often ever realizing the work it takes to care for them.

The owners bear the responsibility to have their animals sterilized. Yes, it can be costly, but it is a part of their upkeep and an invaluable service to the community. The adoption of an animal should be reconsidered, if money is an issue.

I greatly commend the Animal Services Advisory Board, Orange County Animal Services and AnimalKind who have chosen to address this problem and come up with a solution.

One major aspect of the plan is the $20 FIX program. It will allow for qualified households to adopt animals and have them spayed or neutered for a more affordable price. And it will help to motivate owners to get their animals sterilized. This program should garner the support of everyone.

Some breeders might not support the county’s plan because part of it is being subsidized by raising the registration fees that reproductive animal owners pay.

But that’s a small price for helping to control the pet population and stopping the needless suffering of homeless animals.

While purebred animals have their own place, it is important to point out that the cost of one could easily save the lives of several homeless animals.

The high percentage of animals dying should alert all animal lovers to the changes needed.

These domestic animals deserve a chance. Without this due respect, we become animals ourselves.

(The Daily Tar Heel online source did not write my name correctly:) but here is editorial #2)