Unwanted pets are community’s burden
August 28th, 2008 Posted in Reptile PetsEven before this situation, the shelter was full or nearly full because of its small size. Adoptable dogs and cats are being euthanized, simply because the shelter runs out of kennels and cages to house them.
We volunteer with the shelter to place as many dogs as possible with rescue organizations throughout California and Nevada in an effort to save as many dogs as possible. We are at the shelter at least one or two times a week, and we are more than aware of its problems and needs.
The rescue groups in Tracy do their best to find homes for as many shelter animals as possible, but we are unable to keep up with the numbers of animals arriving at the shelter.
When we try to convince residents of Tracy to go to the shelter when looking for an animal to adopt, we hear time and time again that the shelter is old and depressing and difficult to get to.
Although efforts have been made to upgrade and improve the shelter, it cries out for more help. Outdated cyclone fencing on kennel gates get chewed on and become sharp and dangerous, having to be repaired often; drains are constantly clogging in the dog kennels, causing a terrible health hazard to the animals and those who work and volunteer there; and because it is the cheapest, bleach is used to clean dog and cat kennels, instead of a less toxic but equally effective cleaner that would be much safer for the animals.
Money also needs to be made available for vaccines for the incoming animals. Many times, animals have had to be euthanized because of infections and highly communicable diseases, which could have been avoided if the staff had been able to immunize all incoming cats and dogs before they joined the other animals.
A veterinarian needs to go to the shelter once a week and check the animals for health concerns and illness. With six veterinarian offices in Tracy, this could be done in a rotation, helping to prevent many of the illnesses that result in euthanasia of animals and helping to catch infection before it spreads.
Our hats go off to the shelter staff and volunteers who do an outstanding job under daily handicap and stress. We should all help the city do what is necessary to be proud of the shelter and its care.
Tags: animals, cats, cats and dogs, diseases, dogs, dogs and cats, euthanasia, hats, Pet, pets, rescue groups, shelter staff, unwanted pets, vet, veterinarianRelated posts
Tags: animals, cats, cats and dogs, diseases, dogs, dogs and cats, euthanasia, hats, Pet, pets, rescue groups, shelter staff, unwanted pets, vet, veterinarian
