Irresponsible ownership is a pet peeve
Spokane County Regional Animal Care and Protection Services, or SCRAPS, is on track to handle a record number of animals in 2004. Our community’s pet overpopulation problem grows daily as countless pet owners fail to take pet ownership seriously. SCRAPS has implemented many programs working towards long-term solutions to solve this community problem.
In 2003 SCRAPS launched an aggressive media campaign to educate pet owners on the importance of pet licensing. The pet license is not only the pet’s phone call home if it is ever lost, but pet license revenue helps to fund important animal care and protection programs meant to reduce or eliminate the euthanasia of adoptable animals.
As part of the program, owners of licensed pets may receive free spay/neuter vouchers that pay for a large portion of the cost of this procedure and are accepted at all local veterinarians. Spaying/neutering is important in reducing the number of homeless animals in our community.
Public officials must continue to support the pet license campaign in 2005. Animal control authorities additionally must not hesitate to cite owners of unlicensed pets – sending a strong message that pet licensing is the law. Enforcement of license laws is essential as pets must be identified and returned to their owners rather than to area shelters.
Adoption of shelter animals is a big part of the short-term solution. Many pets are adopted out annually through the shelter into new and loving homes. Also, pets are transferred to shelters out of the area where there may be a shortage of adoptable dogs and cats. Other animals are placed with local rescue groups who work tirelessly to find them new homes. Volunteers are always needed to help both with shelter adoptions and transporting animals across the state.
SCRAPS cannot solve the pet overpopulation problem alone. Historically many pet owners have treated their pets as disposable property. They move and leave the cat to fend for itself, or they drop off the dog at a local shelter. The community must get involved in order to save the animals. Animal control officials, citizens, clubs, community groups, public officials and veterinarians must tell pet owners that this irresponsible behavior is unacceptable in our society.
Pet owners fail to spay or neuter their pets, and unwanted litters of puppies and kittens are soon homeless. There are simply not enough homes for them all.
Pet licensing is required by law in Spokane County for all dogs and cats over 6 months of age. Pet owners may face fines up to $200 for unlicensed pets.
The community must hold its pet owners accountable for this growing problem. Animal control agencies struggle daily with a heavy workload and minimal funding. Tax dollars are already stretched to the breaking point and without the community’s support the animals will suffer.
Every individual, whether a pet owner or not, must be part of the solution. Pet owners must license their pets, have them spayed or neutered, and make their pet a lifetime commitment. Non-pet owners can help educate those who do own pets and help spread the message. Individuals can volunteer at their local animal shelter. Public officials can support strong enforcement of pet licensing and animal control laws.
A community problem needs a community solution. You can make a difference, and the animals will thank you for it.