A newspaper’s purpose is to inform and your articles concerning pet sterilization certainly met that goal. My hat’s off to the following writers: Debra McCown for “Homer’s Miracle,” Claire Galofaro for “The Executioners” dated Nov. 8, J. Todd Foster for “If Reality Offends You” dated Nov. 15 and the editorial published Nov. 13.
If educating the public as Dr. Jones suggested would work, then this is certainly a good start. I don’t have much confidence in that method, but would like to believe your articles will make a difference. I personally support creating strong legislation. A number of northern states have a proven track record that this can work. Laws, however, are only as good as they are enforced.
Puppy mills should be eliminated. Anyone who breeds dogs or cats, regardless of the number, should be required to obtain a license and be subject to unannounced inspections. Volunteer groups could be trained for these inspections and the taxpayers would not be burdened with the cost. All pet owners should be required to sterilize their animals or obtain the required license. The only reason for non-sterilization of a pet is for its possible breeding purpose. A spay/neutered pet makes, without question, a better pet.
“I don’t have the money for this” is not a good excuse. There are a number of organizations that help with the cost of sterilization. The taxpayers should not be burdened with the results of your lack of responsibility.
Sterilization is the only cure for pet overpopulation. Anything less is just a Band-Aid on a big cruel problem.
There was some concern expressed that children may have read the articles. I certainly hope they did. Maybe, just maybe, they will grow up to be more compassionate and responsible than adults of today.
If you are considering a companion animal, adopt one with an age and energy level that more closely matches your own. You will be happier and the pet will be, too.
And yes, I am a confessed animal lover. In fact, the more I see of some people, the better I like my dog.
Charlie Fleenor
Blountville, Tenn.
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