This blog was prompted by recent events which have actually been going on a long time. I realize the sense of urgency we all feel when we see the endless lists of animals in need of saving. Too often they are the ones in shelters that are marked for death when they've outstayed the required holding time, are too many, have been there too long, are sick, old, or considered unadoptable for any reason, often when no effort has even been made to get them veterinary care or adopted.
These calls come out weekly. The shelter has too many cats, there is a deadline set and they will be killed, no exception, no extension, no second chance. I applaud the many courageous and generous people who have stepped up, trying to save these animals. The problem is, this effort is not sustainable. There are limited resources, people get burned out, it becomes an emotional time bomb. Then there are the people who keep providing just as many cats, if not more, to replace the ones who do make it out or are killed.
I have in past blogs called for changes, mostly in the way the shelters are being run and the way people address the issue. It needs to be made a matter of public debate, with demand that political leaders also step up for changes. But there is more. In addition to rescuers taking in these animals and public outcry over their treatment at the hands of people working in government run institutions, there needs to be EDUCATION.
EDUCATION SAVES LIVES.
How long will untenable situations be tolerated? How many more innocent animals must suffer until the demand for change occurs? How many more lives will be lost due to lack of knowledge?
There are low cost, even free options for spay and neuter. There is no reason to let cats or dogs breed in this day and age when literally thousands are killed simply because there are too many and not enough homes.
Education on options is only one aspect, education about the responsibility of pet ownership is a must. We no longer live in rural environments where it was once considered okay to let cats roam, breed and reproduce at will, where the elements often eliminated the majority of offspring. Now that we have urbanized much of the farmland around major cities, the issues surrounding animal control have changed. So should the approach of local shelters, as well as the public at large.
Animals are not disposable "things" to be played with then discarded, to be quickly and cheaply disposed of with all the compassion of a sanitation department.
They are living, breathing, feeling beings that deserve compassion and kindness.
These calls come out weekly. The shelter has too many cats, there is a deadline set and they will be killed, no exception, no extension, no second chance. I applaud the many courageous and generous people who have stepped up, trying to save these animals. The problem is, this effort is not sustainable. There are limited resources, people get burned out, it becomes an emotional time bomb. Then there are the people who keep providing just as many cats, if not more, to replace the ones who do make it out or are killed.
I have in past blogs called for changes, mostly in the way the shelters are being run and the way people address the issue. It needs to be made a matter of public debate, with demand that political leaders also step up for changes. But there is more. In addition to rescuers taking in these animals and public outcry over their treatment at the hands of people working in government run institutions, there needs to be EDUCATION.
EDUCATION SAVES LIVES.
How long will untenable situations be tolerated? How many more innocent animals must suffer until the demand for change occurs? How many more lives will be lost due to lack of knowledge?
There are low cost, even free options for spay and neuter. There is no reason to let cats or dogs breed in this day and age when literally thousands are killed simply because there are too many and not enough homes.
Education on options is only one aspect, education about the responsibility of pet ownership is a must. We no longer live in rural environments where it was once considered okay to let cats roam, breed and reproduce at will, where the elements often eliminated the majority of offspring. Now that we have urbanized much of the farmland around major cities, the issues surrounding animal control have changed. So should the approach of local shelters, as well as the public at large.
Animals are not disposable "things" to be played with then discarded, to be quickly and cheaply disposed of with all the compassion of a sanitation department.
They are living, breathing, feeling beings that deserve compassion and kindness.
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