Wednesday, March 10, 2004
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Wednesday, March 10, 2004 |
| Animal shelter trying to stem the tide By BETH SNIPES Spring is almost here and it will soon be raining cats and dogs. The Humane Society and the Fayette County Animal Shelter have joined forces to try and slow the storm. Each spring scores of unwanted litters of kittens and puppies are born here. Many end up at the shelter or on the waiting list for the Humane Society. Some are lucky to find new homes, but so many don’t. The shelter euthanizes an average of 70 animals a month. It’s a sad end that can be so easily avoided. How can putting to sleep over 800 animals a year be reduced? Bill Newman, director of the animal shelter, and Priscilla Henry, president of the Humane Society, both agree: Spaying and neutering your pet is a simple solution to a tough problem. And the problem is about to get worse. “Spring is breeding season, so do it now,” said Henry. “Do it before your animal gets pregnant.” You may think your stockade fence keeps your pet safe and prevents it from adding to the unwanted pet population. Don’t count on it. “Nature has a way.” Henry said. Where there’s a will, there really is a way. Jumping fences and out of windows may seem unlikely but happens all the time. “Owning a pet is a privilege,” Newman said. “Stop and think before you adopt.” Adding a pet to your family is an expensive venture. The cost goes beyond filling a food bowl. Annual shots and medications add up. “Spaying and neutering is the main thing to do,” Newman said. If you adopt from the shelter, it must be done as part of the adoption agreement. It’s that important. If your female dog is in heat and found running free, you are breaking a state law. You will also be fined by the county. “If you live in Fayette County, take care of it or pay the price,” Newman said. “If you get caught, we’re going to light you up. It’s not the Fayette County taxpayers’ responsibility to handle your unneutered pet.” Since the shelter is a county agency, taxpayers foot the bill for its operation. “The general population of the county is increasing and the increase brings more houses and more animals,” Newman said. “This shelter won’t be able to handle it much longer. If you have to start enlarging it shows the system isn’t working. Spaying and neutering saves animals lives and tax dollars.” It also stops horror stories. Unwanted litters are killed by irresponsible pet owners every year. “People start dumping them and do horrible things.” explained Henry. “They throw them out of car windows and have even tied them to railroad tracks.” Both are terrible endings for animals that were only born because of neglectful owners. What if you want to do the right thing but just don’t have the money? “Ask for help if you need it,” Henry said. “It will be OK, things can work out. We are here to help.” The Humane Society is an all volunteer non-profit organization whose goal is to promote responsible pet care. They offer assistance for pet owners who are truly in need. If you need help funding spaying, neutering or medical emergencies, call. “Ask for help if you need it,” said Henry. “Don’t let the animal suffer.” The Humane Society operates on donations from the community, so funds are limited. Over 500 pets were helped last year through a certificate program or the society paying the bill themselves. “We don’t offer coupons or freebies.” Henry said. “We offer help to those that really need it. Don’t take advantage or our resources will dry up and we won’t be able to help anyone.” “We have a lot of knowledgeable volunteers that can answer questions,” she said. “Call for help.” Many beloved pets have been saved with their assistance. If you are thinking of adding a pet to your household, consider the cost and obligation before you do. The adoption decision should never be made on a whim. Do you have the funds to keep it healthy or the 10 to 20 years to commit? “The responsibility is with the pet owner. That’s the main thing.” Newman said. “Just because Johnny comes home with a pet, it doesn’t mean he gets to keep him.”
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