5/4/08 DMN LTE on Proposed Animal Friendly Ordinances

May 6, 2008

Letters: Dog laws11:41 AM CDT on Sunday, May 4, 2008 Responsible breeders will obey Re: "Strict pet rules draw howls of protest – But something must be done to curb stray dogs, officials say," Tuesday news story. Responsible dog breeders do not oppose the proposed spay-and-neuter legislation and the $500 breeder permits. These breeders recognize that we have a severe overpopulation of pets, resulting in

the euthanasia of tens of thousands of animals in the area. Responsible dog breeders care about the animals. They care about overpopulation and the destruction of animals. Those who oppose this would seem to be those who do not care about the problem. They are more interested in the money they collect from selling puppies – many of which end up in the city shelters. Patricia L. Shaughnessy, Dallas Law would alienate good owners The changes being proposed to Dallas' pet ordinance fly in the face of good lawmaking. Effective pet laws should reward good behavior and punish the bad. It is foolish and misguided for government to heap more regulation onto law-abiding citizens, expecting that this will somehow drive the violators

into compliance. What Dallas has is an enforcement problem. Without adequate enforcement, things like mandatory spay/neuter and pet limits will just push more pet owners underground and alienate even the most responsible pet owner. This heavy-handed approach backed by animal rights activists has never worked anywhere it has been tried. Instead of lowering pet populations and euthanasia rates, it has actually resulted in less licensing and less revenue to enforce pet laws. Furthermore, it targets the very people who are capable and willing to help: the dog and cat enthusiasts who train, rescue and promote responsible ownership through their clubs and shows that bring millions in tourism dollars to cities like Dallas every year. Patti Strand, executive director, National Animal Interest Alliance, Portland, Ore. Mind-altering experiences To all those who feel mandatory spay and neuter is too much to ask, I have an idea. Instead of paying $500 not to alter your animal, maybe you could donate 500 hours a year working with the rescuers of Dallas, as they feed the strays of our city, fixing the injured who have no home, often paying for vet bills out of their own pockets, watching puppies die of parvo and distemper. Maybe in the heat of summer or the bitter cold of winter, you would like to help provide food, water and shelter to the tethered dogs who have no way to get food, water or shelter and are cold, starving or dehydrated. Maybe you could help the dogs whose collars are embedded in their necks because someone threw them out as a small puppy. Or maybe volunteer at the Dallas Animal Shelter and help decide daily which poor, helpless dog dies today. Maybe you'll change your mind. Karin Campbell, Colleyville

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