Just read in the Bonner County Co-Op magazine that the new shelter at Ponderay, Idaho is now filled to capacity. When I was there a month ago it was a little over half full. And they have a brand new building with, I think, room for 100 dogs.
This is partly a result of economic conditions - I read about people abandoning dogs because they can't afford to feed them - but also a result of letting down the pressure about spay and neuter. Shelters all over the U.S. are full.
It takes a consistent effort on the part of rescue groups to get the funds and then make sure they're used for spay and neuter. That means lots of fund raising efforts, and hopefully, some effective grant writing. It also means cracking down on puppy mills and educating all those folks who think that backyard breeding is a good way to earn a few extra bucks.
Too often, rescue groups get no help at all from City and County government - even though those entities have to pay staff to round up strays. You'd think they'd be anxious to solve the problem at its root rather than proceeding with business as usual. You'd also think they'd enforce the laws against puppy mills. If you have the personality for it, start pushing your local officials to take action.
Meanwhile, today, talk to someone about spay and neuter. Encourage them to stop being part of the problem by telling them how many unwanted dogs suffer because of human indifference.
And if you know how to write and follow instructions, contact your local rescue group and offer to help them find grant money. Or just volunteer to head up a fund raising event or start an awareness campaign.
We won't see a day with no more homeless pets unless we all keep working hard.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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