People dump animals all the time. Not only is it illegal, it is cruel and lazy. Instead of finding homes for pets brought into the world because of the owner’s negligence in having their pet spayed or neutered, they just abandon the babies. No problem. Or maybe it is an older dog or cat that has become too much responsibility to take care of-never mind that the animal may sit on the side of the road for days waiting for the owner to return. Or even longer-See story about Harley shown to the left below.
Often people leave unwanted animals at veterinary offices and shelters. This was the case this week at the Central Missouri Humane Society. Someone left 5 puppies in a plastic box overnight there after punching holes in the box, a few holes. Not enough. Four of the pups, 7 week old Border collie mixes, were dead by the time staff arrived at the shelter in the morning. No food or water was left for them, no means of escape. People, small animals can dehydrate within hours without water. Not to mention suffocate.
The saddest part-the shelter no longer charges people for dropping off unwanted pets. In an attempt to try to reduce the number of animals left during the night when it is dangerous for them, they now just ask for donations if you drop an animal off during regular hours. Any donation. Of course, you have to show your face and own up to the fact that you were irresponsible to begin with, but the pets will at least have a chance that way. Plus abandoned pets may cause other problems for the shelter.
Under state law, abandoned animals must be held as strays. This creates several problems for the humane society. The animals must be held in a cage for five to seven days, which means other animals might be euthanized to make space. The animals also might miss out on adoption opportunities.
Most pets dumped on the side of a road of left somewhere never make it. Those are the cruel hard facts. One month after Christmas this year I got a note from a friend that found a pure breed golden retriever pup out in the pouring cold rain, on the road at night. The poor thing still had a holiday collar around its neck and a note tied to it-FREE. Lucky for that pup, my friend came along before it got run over. Usually that doesn’t happen. Wonder what they told the kids that received that pup for Christmas?
Please-spay or neuter your pet. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. And never, ever get rid of a pet by abandonment. That is beyond cruel.
Thanks for reading. keepsake16@yahoo.com
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