| We require a change in animal welfare laws Recently, my mother-in-law told me about a news in Pennsylvania regarding an animal control officer that was hoarding 40 dogs and 23 cats. After I heard about this story, I went on-line and discovered one story after another about how good intentions went horribly wrong. I've learned the best rescuers know how to say "no. A good rescue will make sure that the promise of a second chance at life is given to a pet to the best of their ability. No pet should be living in inhumane conditions such as being covered in their own feces, sick without vet care, and very little food. But people that use animals to fill a hole in their own life are not the very best people to get into rescuing animals. I've learned irresponsible pet owners inadvertently contribute to the behavior of those we label 'animal hoarders. So what have I learned? I've learned even people with the very best of intentions may end up causing an animal a great deal of pain and suffering. What I still don't understand is why our community lets this cycle continue? Why are we content to keep our heads in the sand and not see the burden being placed on animal control officers? With our own tax dollars I might add! Our community needs to demand a change to NC Animal Welfare Laws in order to stop pet overpopulation, demand a better screening process for potential shelter adopters and have animal abusers serve jail time with higher fines. This former officer knew firsthand what would happen to a pet if she did not take it and I guess it was more than she could emotionally bear. Most people have heard about or seen some form of animal cruelty during their life - but what have they done about it? Our actions to animal cruelty can either help solve the already overwhelming situation or just add to it - but one thing is for sure, no action just adds to the burden for everybody - animals, animal control officers, tax payer and rescuers. |
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
We require a change in animal welfare laws
