— — — —
In the past few days, contributors to the Rants and Raves column have voiced much dismay with stray dogs on their property. Some have cited damage to their property and to their pets. Others have expressed fear of their children being attacked and some note that stray dogs routinely defecate in or near their yards.
Some have cited incidents where unwanted dogs were dumped.
This has long been a problem in Colquitt County and yes, people have complained all along the way.
The crux of the problem is not the dogs but the lack of responsible pet owners. Dogs that have not been spayed or neutered and allowed to roam are likely at the crux of this issue.
We also note incidents where dogs are ill kept and therefore when they get loose they go looking for food. They become traffic hazards, they spread disease and they perpetuate the problems by having more unwanted and uncared for puppies.
Someone once said that a society can be judged on how it treats its animals. We should wonder then, what does it say about our society when animals are not properly cared for, when they are abandoned and when they are allowed to roam?
If one is thinking about owning a pet, please do some serious thinking in terms of costs, responsibility and liabilty. And do some soul searching in terms of evaluating your ability to be responsible in this venue.
Also, keep in mind that puppies are cute but they don’t stay puppies forever. Think about why you want one or if you really need one.
And if you are getting a pet for a child, then teach that child responsibility for a pet, otherwise you are continuing to perpetuate a serious problem.
Just some thoughts .....
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
