We’ve seen many comments in the Rants and Raves column recently about pet care and the Humane Society.
The commentaries are therapeutic because they call attention to issues that as a community and as the human species we should be aware of, investigate and resolve viable solutions.
But at the center of it all is pet owner responsibility.
We have used this column many times to harp on this matter, and we will continue to do so.
On Saturday morning, to illustrate a point, there was a pack of dogs (five or six) on Fifth Avenue near 10th Street S.E. The dogs looked ill-kept and had no collars or identification which further means they probably had no vaccinations.
They were potential traffic hazards as well as health hazards.
The bottom line here is that somewhere along the way, an owner allowed his dog(s) to roam and breed indiscriminantly which adds to already existing animal problems.
We have heard complaints of dumping as a way of getting rid of unwanted animals. Also we have heard about pets that are kept in small pens, never to be taken out for exercise or any form of human companionship. They bark a lot, upsetting neighbors.
Certainly we have to have regulations to help control these issues. And yes, the Humane Society has quite a task on its hands in the venue of animal control.
So let’s keep in mind that at the crux of the problem is the pet owner and ultimately, the lack thereof.
We must resolve to do our part with our own pets and to not hesitate to report incidents of abuse.
And yes, we need to keep the discussion going as a means of education and hopefully, enlightenment.
