Wednesday, March 21, 2001
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Wednesday, March 21, 2001 |
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Animal Control has a tough job, but does it well This is in response to the letters regarding the cat that was euthanized by animal control. First of all, let me say that it was indeed a tragic ending to a loved pet's life. However, I would like to make people aware that they must take a more active roll in locating a lost pet. Most people are aware that thousands of animals are put to sleep in animal shelters every year. The reason? Pets get lost, escape the fence, bolt out a door or, like in this case, get trapped and brought to animal control. These pets go unclaimed and end up being put to sleep. Often, people call the animal control office (this could be any county, not just Fayette) looking for their pet and many times are told that the animal is not there. This response may or may not be correct. The animal may indeed be there, but for some reason, could have been logged in incorrectly (for example, it's really a female, but was thought to be a male). Cats often lose their collars (which may have happened in this case; I don't know whether this cat actually came to the shelter with tags) when they are outside. So, if a cat is described as wearing a collar by an owner and has lost it, the cat may not match animal control's intake form. The animal may be in transit to the shelter in one of the trucks and has not been logged in yet. Often, when someone finds a cat or dog in their neighborhood, they may hold onto it for a couple of days thinking they'll find the owner. Then the person takes it to the animal shelter but the owner has already called looking for it and has been told, "No, it is not here." My point here is this: Continue to call the animal shelter to check for the animal. Better yet, actually drive down there and physically walk through to see if your animal is there. The shelter holds all animals for six days to allow the owner to reclaim them. This is a very generous amount of time. Many area shelters only hold dogs or cats for three days. If I had a cat that was missing more than two days, I would certainly have visited animal control just to be sure it was not there. I do not know why Ms. Barnett was unable to go to the shelter by the sixth day the cat was missing. I often wonder why many people do not go to the animal shelter when a pet has been missing that long. To me that is irresponsible and sort of sad. If someone would just take five minutes out of their day to visit the shelter and check, I think we would be amazed how many little lives are saved every year. I know that the only time an animal may be euthanized before the sixth day is if the animal is severely injured or dying, which is more humane for the animal. My advice would also be to contact surrounding county shelters as well if your pet is missing. People will frequently find an animal just over the county line and take it to that county's shelter. As I said before, I do not know the exact specifics of this case. It was unfortunate that this family lost their cat. However, there is a leash law in Fayette County and it is enforced very well. A neighbor has the right to request a humane trap if your animal is on their property. A neighbor has the right to not have their property damaged by a loose pet. It is your responsibility to know where your pet is at all times and take responsibility by covering all the bases in your search for a pet should it become lost. In Ms. Lohmann's letter she worries about the examples set for children. I think the best example we can set for our children is not to blame animal control for "callousness and insensitivity." It is not animal control that is letting animals run loose and get hurt or starve to death on the streets. They are the ones that are rescuing them from this painful and frightening existence and giving them shelter, warmth and food. The callousness and insensitivity is coming from irresponsible or lazy owners who don't seem concerned about their pets. Children can be taught the "value of life" by educating them about taking care of their pets or rescuing an animal from a shelter. This lesson would be much more valuable than pointing a finger at animal control officers for "callousness and insensitivity." These folks have a tough job (and do it well and in my opinion, fairly). The public needs to help them out and obey the leash laws in this county. That way, things like this would not ever happen. Jennifer Heintz Peachtree City
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