WASHINGTON - The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, expressed strong disapproval with the practice of cloning cats, in the wake of reports from scientists at Texas A&M University who claim to have succeeded in completing this experiment.

The HSUS attempts to foster close bonds between people and their pets since research demonstrates that a break in this bond is the leading cause of pet overpopulation, which leads to the unnecessary deaths of millions of animals each year.

"We recognize that a person may have an extraordinary bond with an animal, and we encourage the development of these bonds. But, the fact is, there is no way to create a pet identical to the one who is gone. They are distinctive, and cloning cannot eliminate their uniqueness," said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS senior vice president.

"The Humane Society of the United States opposes pet cloning because it is dangerous for the animals involved, it serves no compelling social purpose, and it threatens to add to the pet overpopulation problem. It doesn't sit well with us to create animals through such extreme and experimental means when there are so many animals desperate for homes," adds Pacelle.

Cats outnumber dogs in animal shelters and most shelters have kittens as well as juvenile and adult available for adoption.

"The sad reality is that we outlive our pets in most cases and people who decide to have a pet should recognize this fact before they accept that responsibility," said Brian Sodergren of The HSUS' Companion Animals section.

"Keeping a pet is enriching for the people involved and it is life-saving for the animals," adds Pacelle. "Cloning animals strips away the altruistic component behind pet-keeping and reduces the experience to one of selfishness. There is something wonderful about providing hope and homes for animals in need."