We’re all responsible for killing so many animals
I have been watching the upheaval over the closing of the animal shelter and would like to add my 2 cents. I’m the shelter manager. Those of us who are at the shelter daily see things our board members rarely see, the commissioners have never seen, and the public could not begin to imagine. Until you have been there – day in, day out – you have no idea.
The Humane Society would like to implement spay/neuter legislation and pet licensing fees. Some have called this licensing fee a “pet tax.” A tax, by its very nature is mandatory. This is voluntary. This only affects pet owners.
Further, this is broken down so pet owners choose at which level they will pay. If the pet is sterilized, it is minimal. If the pet is intact, the fee is larger.
The Humane Society also provides vouchers for those who request financial help with sterilizing their pets. There is NO reason for licensing your pet to be beyond your monetary means.
From a strictly financial perspective, it is much more fiscally responsible to enact licensing ordinances. The collected fees would be put back into running the shelter. Hopefully, these fees would relieve the county of having to fund it in the future.
That said, what got us here in the first place? People. People who allow their pets to breed indiscriminately and allow them to roam at will. Owning a pet is not a “right.” It is a privilege. There is no clause in the Bill of Rights that guarantees pet ownership.
People say to me daily “I couldn’t do what you do, I love animals too much.” To that I reply, “No you don’t.”
You don’t love them at all. If you did, you would not be here dropping off this litter. You would have your pet fixed. It’s you – John Q. Public – who has allowed these animals to be killed. The Humane Society did not cause this. You did. The county commission did not cause this. You did. We are all just trying to clean up your mess.
The Warren County Commission has a chance unlike few they will ever have. They have the chance to hold their constituents responsible for their actions. Personally I think it’s a sorry state of affairs when people have to be forced to do the right thing.
The ability to share your home with a pet is one of God’s most wonderful blessings. Why do we thoughtlessly condemn so many to death? These are God’s creatures and they deserve more than being carried into a small room and being placed on a table where I give them the injection that ends their life. At least I cared enough to stay with them to the end. You did not.
I saw – if only for a brief moment – the potential and love in their eyes. You did not. I can only hope God forgives you because I cannot. But, your pet did and always will.
If you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem.
Beth Farmer
Humane Society of Warren County Shelter Manager
116 Henegar Street
McMinnville