Letter - Pet owners need to be responsible
There is a law against letting domestic animals run at large. In a nutshell, it means if the animal belongs to you, you are responsible. What does responsible mean? You provide food, water and shelter. That’s the least you can do, but that doesn’t go far enough. We must not and cannot expect others to watch out for our pets.
To the editor:
There is a law against letting domestic animals run at large. In a nutshell, it means if the animal belongs to you, you are responsible.
What does responsible mean? You provide food, water and shelter. That’s the least you can do, but that doesn’t go far enough. We must not and cannot expect others to watch out for our pets.
Last week on my way to town, there was a large German shepherd lying dead along the road with no collar and no tags. Someone had been taking care of him, but who? Did they miss him or even look? I don’t know.
Mishaps happen and pets do get away from us, despite our best efforts. All too many times, however, pets are allowed to run free; totally free. Free to wander the countryside or neighborhood, and free to get hit by a vehicle, get lost, and caught in traps.
Snares and traps are cruel. They cause animals to suffer. We must hold our governor and legislators responsible and accountable for continuing to allow this practice. They have the power and ability to change the law and ban snares and leg-hold traps.
As angry as I am and sickened by this practice, the ultimate responsibility falls to the owners. We cannot pass our responsibility off onto others; in particular, those who do not care about animal suffering.
Even though the election is over, let your elected officials, both new and old, know what you expect. Insist on a change. Also, be responsible. Have your pets spayed or neutered.
Shirley Taggart
Faribault, MN
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