ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 5, 1997 TAG: 9702050064
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
THE WINSOME puppy faces gazing through chain-link fences and off the front page of the newspaper this week pleaded eloquently for good homes.
Those little doggies in the pictures should remind people, too, of humans' duty to assure proper care of dogs and cats - animals that for the trouble of providing food, shelter and attention, return affection and companionship.
Part of that duty is setting limits: most important, limits on their numbers by having them spayed or neutered before they reproduce - even once, unless owners are prepared to keep or place in a good home each and every pup or kitten, which, in turn, has been spayed or neutered.
This is an old plea, but no less urgent for that. Shirking this responsibility leads to abandonment and abuse of animals, the killing of scores of litters dumped each year on humane societies overwhelmed by sheer numbers, and, from time to time, the type of gross neglect found at the Franklin County home of Valery Green.
Green is not the typical animal lover who has allowed a passion for saving strays to override good sense - "collectors," humane officials call them. She not only was overwhelmed by numbers - 68 dogs and 51 cats - she was intentionally building populations of purebreds to sell.
But whether the purpose is backyard puppy mill or altruism run amok, the results too often are the same: animals confined in filth, often lacking adequate food and water and basic medical attention. Humane societies are swamped with confiscated animals. The public is appalled.
People are not powerless to help, though: first, by practicing responsible pet ownership that includes spaying or neutering; second, by supporting humane societies; third, by being aware and savvy as consumers and citizens. Insist on seeing breeders' facilities, and report any ill treatment of animals, by breeders or anyone else.
LENGTH: Short : 39 linesby CNB