Pets deserve better than SCRAPS 36-hour rule

The Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service 36-hour rule leaves a lot to be desired pertaining to the protection and welfare of our pets.

An example is my friend’s neighbor whose dogs were kept outside and without food, but more importantly no water. Unacceptable.

The neighbor would frequently be gone, at which time my friend would go over and fill the dogs’ dishes with food and water. Referring back to the 36-hour rule; my friend contacted SCRAPS notifying them of her neighbor’s dogs’ situation at which time she was told about the 36-hour rule.

Now at this point you might be wondering what is this so-called 36-hour rule? Well it used to be a 24-hour rule, which was extended to 36 hours to appease the animal owner. Essentially it means that pet owners are allowed up to 36 hours to abandon their pet’s needs before SCRAPS can intercede.

As a pet owner, that appalls me. Imagine that such a rule can be on the books and indirectly allow the mistreatment of a pet for at least 36 hours before anything is done.

This particular situation happened last summer during some scorching hot weather. My friend’s neighbor deprived their dogs of food and water while the dogs were chained up. Now that we are heading into winter, I can’t help but wonder if this same dog owner is still being neglectful and intentionally mistreating the dogs.

The crux of this situation is this: Our pets need and depend on their owners to make sure their needs are met. Watering and feeding our pets is our main responsibility, but there are so many other things to consider as well. We should make sure that our pets aren’t subjected to dangerous things, such as foods or plants that might harm them and other dangerous elements in and around our homes.

“How much is that doggie in the window, the one with the wagging tail?” is a nice little song, but picking out a pet entails much more. Owning a pet requires a commitment of tender loving care.