…that there are shelters that euthanize up to 75 – 100 animals in a day because they are so overcrowded? And guess what…they’re not just the big city shelters. Sadly, some days it can be even more.
***Responsibility comes in many forms…which includes having pets.***
BE A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER
- Spay or neuter your pet!
- Keep your animal inside, in a fenced area, or always walk on a leash, and do not allow them to roam.
- Train your animal so that each of you can be happy and enjoy each other’s company.
- Socialize your pet.
- Practice proper veterinary care for your animal
Do NOT have an animal if you do not want to commit to these things.
It’s heartbreaking, knowing that goodhearted, loving animals are euthanized ritually because there is nobody who cares enough to look for them; because there is a lack of kennel space; because they’re not the prettiest dog on the floor and nobody wants them; because that’s the only option in order for a shelter to properly care for all of the animals in their care.
You can help prevent this from happening. In addition to being a responsible pet owner, do NOT buy from backyard breeders. Do NOT buy from puppy mills where the parents are kept in horrific conditions, some never seeing the light of day or even grass. ADOPT from animal controls, humane societies or rescues and dedicate yourself to the living, breathing soul that you’re taking home.
Euthanasia
All too often people are often completely uninformed as to how euthanasia occurs in shelters. So how do they “put down” the animals?
Euthanasia in shelters takes it’s toll on everyone involved. Many times shelter workers have to fight the tears because they know what loving, gentle dispositioned animals they are destroying. They know how many children would love to have this dog or that cat as a companion. They see a level of intelligence or their comical nature that surpasses human nature. They see animals who would make good service dogs or good working dogs. They see animals who are so soulful that they give you peace simply by looking into their eyes. They see animals that could provide the courage for a young child to speak for the very first time. They see the fear in their eyes since the animal knows what’s about to happen. Then they see them dead.
Euthanasia comes in several forms, be it a gas chamber (yes, this is still used in some areas), lethal injection to the vein, lethal injection to the heart, or lethal injection to the stomach…and all too often this happens without prior sedation to ease the stress and pain of the animal. Remarkably, there are still states that have areas who simply shoot the animal if it’s a stray. So no, it’s not always peaceful.
Why does this happen? Because there are too many people who view animals as disposable; too many people who don’t want to take on the responsibility and commitment of a living, breathing soul; too many people who simply don’t care what happens to the animals. It’s an astonishing reality, but very much the truth.
BE A RESPONSIBLE OWNER!
Being accountable for your pet’s life will cause you to feel better about yourself and enjoy your pet as a family member vs. a thing of possession.
Remember…animals breathe, have blood flowing, a heart, lungs, brain, skin, digestive system, circulatory system, and diseases. They are not toys, they are not objects of control, they are not money makers. Respect their lives…after all, it’s not their fault. Humans are the ones who do not hold up their end of the bargain. Humans are the cause of aggression. Humans are the reason they are here on earth.