Breeders should be licensed

City voters rejected bonds expanding the county animal shelter to accommodate both city and county animals, previously rejecting a new city shelter, apparently thinking no shelter was actually an option (“City, county must join forces,” Jan. 27).

Requiring a costly “breeder’s license” would virtually stop backyard breeding producing thousands of unwanted animals, eliminating the need for larger shelters to house them. Half of these backyard-bred animals will be abandoned. By controlling this influx of unwanted animals we would soon see all shelters become no-kill.

It’s no different than a hunting license. Most hunters, unregulated, would take any and all animals they could kill. As not all hunters are responsible, not all animal owners are responsible.

Licensing does work. Similar legislation was approved in Santa Cruz, Calif. Euthanasia rates dropped over 60 percent. The mantra “It’s my right to breed/sell animals” needs to stop. These same individuals complain about taxes supporting animal control and shelters. You can’t have it both ways.

Shame on the public’s apathy toward continued breeding/selling of animals and the senseless euthanasia of millions of adoptable animals. Instead of buying an animal, visit a shelter. Adopt a homeless animal.

Tia Rosetti-Mills

Newman Lake