.jpg)
County facing epidemic problem To the citizens of Columbus and Colorado County, We are In the middle of an on-going epidemic. It doesn’t require isolation or medication to eradicate the problem. It doesn’t require a mask to be donned, but it does require blinders to be removed. It requires responsibility and simple consideration for your neighbors and for all living creatures.
I awoke this morning with a phone call from a neighbor telling me someone actually drove up into her driveway in the early evening and DUMPED 5 puppies. They were healthy and friendly but very hungry , confused and frightened and searching for a safe place to huddle together.
This is the epidemic that our area is currently facing. These small, helpless creatures deserve better. If they are lucky, they will find someone who will take them in and give them a good home. Or they could become dangerous packs hunting other animals (possibly your small dog or cat) to survive. With no socialization, they can become dangerous to humans as well. All of which would be no fault of the animal. Survival is a strong instinct.
There is no justifiable excuse for such actions. Spaying and neutering is the simple answer to this epidemic. There are several groups in our area who are willing to help financially if you can’t afford to spay or neuter. Don’t drop your responsibility for someone else. Talk to your vet for assistance.
The way one treats animals is an indication of how one treats people. Being so calloused as to willingly cause such misery to any person or animal is an ugly trait.
Aside from being morally wrong, neglecting and abusing, and dumping animals is a legal wrong. There are fines for these actions. If you suspect someone is in the process of dumping an animal, stop and ask what they are doing. Only guilty people would resent this. If you see someone dumping, get a description of the vehicle, take a picture, or get the license plate number and then notify the authorities.
Remember, “If you see something, say something”. Responsible and caring citizens, working together as a community, are the only ones who can STOP this epidemic!
Brenda G. Buehler
Columbus
