I think a big prt of the irresponsibility lies with the parents who cater to childrens whims like that! I agree also that some programs should be implemented in schools, but though the kids may listen, others have been brought up in homes where parents don't take pets in for spay/neutering. What sort of lesson is that for children? And then when the house becomes overrun with pets, they throw them outside. I've picked up plenty of abandoned cats and kittens. I've found them dumped in boxes, and dumpsters. Grrr!