Pet ownership is a responsibility not a right.
It’s a fairly simple notion, isn’t it? Why then do so many take it for granted, sparking the need for columns such as this to be revisited time and again?
It could easily be argued that a widespread disregard for the above statement is a leading factor behind our permanent need for animal shelters.
It could also be argued that those ignoring the weight of the statement are directly responsible for the killing of thousands of innocents each year.
Rule one of responsible pet ownership – understand you are making a commitment to provide a safe and happy home for the duration of your companion animal’s life.
I understand there are a myriad of reasons as to why even the most responsible owner may be forced into a situation where they have to give up their beloved, but statements like ‘’we just don’t have time any more’’ or ‘’he digs too many holes’’ or ‘’we didn’t know he’d grow that big’’ just don’t cut the mustard in my book.
As exemplified by our Facebook callout this week, there are many caring souls in the Hawkesbury who have opened their homes and hearts to care for those discarded by others.
Early last week we posted on our page a call to arms to encourage more to adopt those currently facing their final days at the local shelter.
We were intentionally vivid in our terminology. We used the word ‘’killed’’, which unfortunately hit a nerve of the shelter’s owner Hawkesbury Council.
For the record, our intention was not to besmirch the reputation of the Council, its facility or its workers, who we commend for providing the service.
I for one am completely sympathetic for the workers and volunteers. Due to the carelessness of those in the community – and their lack of responsibility – onerous, heart-breaking decisions have to be made.
In an ideal world, a no-kill policy would be wonderful. But reality is, we’re far from ideal. Sad reality: Who will foot the bill? Just how big a facility would be required?
The truth of the matter is the ultimate fate of society’s pound pets comes down to all of us ... and the notion of responsibility.
It may sound weird and wacky, but perhaps we need to implement a system for prospective pet owners, similar to that we must endure before gaining the right to drive.
A mandatory period of learning the rules, followed by a series of tests and perhaps a probationary ownership period.
Perhaps we should also consider imposing penalties on those who give up their pets to shelters if their reasons don’t qualify as acceptable.
Maybe the Mr and Mrs ‘’he digs too many holes’’ should be forced to pay for their pet’s upkeep at the shelter until a new home is found.
In closing, one last reality hit between the eyes.
Regardless of how it is packaged up, the sad end for those animals not lucky enough to find new homes is death.
We can call it euthanize, we can say they were put to sleep, we can convince ourselves they’ll be chasing bones and balls of string in heaven to make ourselves feel better … or we can face reality and start trying to seriously right the wrong, and perhaps lesson the emotional burden on shelters and their staff and stop the killing once and for all.
