Re: ‘Pet store explains its role in cat bylaw,’ March 17.
There may be those who are reluctant to acknowledge publicly the problems of pet overpopulation, shelter overcrowding and the illegal dumping of unwanted animals in our community. But however they put a “spin” on it, they contribute to the problem by selling or giving away unneutered pets. Period.
Unfortunately, irresponsible pet owners will always exist. But what concerned citizens in this community can control is how we either contribute to the problem or work to eradicate it.
I am opposed to the city endorsing a bylaw that facilitates the trapping and “re-homing” of people’s pets. I am also greatly concerned that this bylaw allows one local pet store to “give away” these animals (for a bag or two of food) without being vet-checked and most importantly, spayed or neutered.
Perhaps we can’t stop all pet stores from selling live (and unfixed) animals, but what people can do is strongly oppose our city nuisance cat bylaw and a trapping program that contributes to the cycle of unwanted and abandoned animals in our community.
And more than complain about the current system, we can become proactive. We can help support low-cost spay initiatives currently being implemented by organizations such as the Nelson SPCA (with help from Columbia Basin Trust) and Kootenay Animal Assistance Program.
In addition, in other communities, local pet stores operate “satellite” adoption centers and rather than sell or give away animals, only adopt out pets that have been spayed or neutered.
Perhaps we can work towards this type of model and strongly encourage our city and local pet shop owners to reduce rather than contribute to this growing problem.
Bill Strelaeff
Castlegar