Don’t buy pets, adopt them

Although I’m sure the Schreiners will give a good home to Karson (“Giraffe’s unlikely migration includes couple’s backyard,” June 29), when over 12,000 homeless animals were put to death in Spokane County in 2008, why would they not visit a shelter and save an animal from certain death?

This article will virtually guarantee so-called copycats wanting to buy and breed their own giraffes. The Schreiners’ argument will be similar to dog breeders: “We found good homes to sell all 12 puppies we bred.”

Problem is, 12 homeless dogs were euthanized that would have been adopted. Everyone knows the numbers: 6 million homeless animals put to death in the United States each year. The media bombard us daily with the statistics. You can no longer feign ignorance.

Shame on the public’s apathy toward continued breeding and selling of animals and the senseless euthanasia of millions of adoptable animals each year. Shame on the Schreiners and shame on The Spokesman for giving them a forum to perpetuate this selfish pastime.

Instead of buying an animal, visit one of our local shelters and adopt a homeless animal. Your best friend is waiting to meet you.

Tia Rosetti-Mills

Newman Lake