Features
All about animal control
Since this was Animal Control Appreciation Week, I thought it would be great to rerun this article.
So many people think of the Animal Control Officer as that dreaded “dog catcher or murderer.” You would be amazed at what they have to deal with on a daily basis. What does “Animal Control Officer” mean? Well, let me tell you …
He’s not the one who allows your pet to roam the streets, to contract diseases from other free-roaming animals, to be hit by passing motorists or poisoned by rotting garbage. He is the one who must look into those sick, pain-glazed eyes, try to remove the animal without causing it further pain and then humanely “put it to sleep” to put an end to its suffering.
He’s not the one who allows your pets to breed, then dumps the unwanted puppies and kittens on roadsides and in shelters. He’s the one who must find the tiny animals before they die of starvation, exposure or disease and as an act of mercy, exterminate them.
It hurts the Animal Control Officer to be forced to kill hundreds of thousands of animals each year but, because of your irresponsibility, he has no choice.
He’s not the one who abandons unwanted animals on farm roads, telling himself that some friendly farmer will surely take them in and give them a good home. But he is the one who picks up the frightened animal. He is the one who must help that friendly farmer trap, tranquilize, or kill that animal because it has begun to roam in packs with other abandoned hungry animals, killing livestock, fowl, and game.
He is not the one who breeds and fights dogs in the name of “sport.” But he is the one who fights the breeders and participants, and must pick up the dead and dying animals that have been left behind.
He’s not the one who keeps a pet confined in an area too small, without food, water, shelter or exercise. But he must deal with the irresponsible owner who does.
He’s not the one who refuses to spend time and money to keep up regular inoculations that all pets require. But he is the one who must pick up the sick animal that is dying of a preventable disease.
So remember, the next time your child is bitten by a stray dog, your trash is dumped and scattered, your pet is lost, stolen, poisoned, or hit by a car, it is the Animal Control Officer you call - not the dog catcher.” The next time your pet is picked up, or you are cited for neglecting or abusing it, remember that he is only trying to get you to fulfill your responsibility to your pet, your neighbor, and yourself. Do not scorn him. Respect him, for he is the product of your irresponsibility. He loves animals and he really does care.
Here’s to all the Animal Control Officers in Pittsburg County as they answer the calls to pick up, transport to the shelter, and care for the animals they deal with every day. They deserve our respect. You can make their lives a lot easier if you keep your pet in your own yard, provide it with the shelter required by the Animal Ordnance, keep vaccinations current, and most of all spay or neuter your animals.
Call PAWS for a spay or neuter. The number is 470-7297. Adopt a pet. Visit the Pittsburg County Animal Shelter at 1206 N. West Street.
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