We are failing our animals

I found something out this morning that disturbs me very much about our local SPCA.

Our branch of the SPCA has been turning away animals for the last three weeks stating that "They are full". The Shelter is exactly that "a shelter"! They can not be turning away animals that people want to dump! If and when they do, people will only dump their animals other places...I personally have seen it many, many times.

Apparently they now have a waiting list of 80 animals that are to be surrendered as unwanted possessions. 80 animals! When someone wants to unload their animal do you think they're going to wait in line? Possibly if people knew their beloved cat was going to be euthanized they may try a little harder to find a corner of their house in order that the cat could remain with them.

I personally am not for euthanizing, but what pray tell are we to do if people will not spay their cats. I say cats because they are mostly the animals that fall between the cracks. Cats seem to be the easiest animal to acquire and also the most expendable. Everyone loves a kitten but many don't want a cat. Many animals are left on doorsteps, at the end of a road, in the woods and mostly at the city dump. People actually think there will be lots for their beloved cat to eat at the city dump. Some people will just move away and leave their cat behind hoping some kind soul will feed it.

To my way of thinking it would be much more humane to euthanize a cat or dog than to just leave it without food, water, your love and protection, and unspayed, so it can have litter after litter of kittens out on the streets where it now not only has to fend for itself but also has many more mouths to feed.

We need to start forming some bylaws at the City level, then the Provincial and on up to Federal. Our city...and there's no reason why we can't become a model city, desperately needs a set of bylaws to incorporate the way pet breeding, sales and acquisitions are handled. All cats, kittens, puppies, dogs and rabbits need to be spayed or neutered before being offer for sale or adoption.

Sue Beagle