July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Remember to care for animals
Editorial
The reports have trickled in to the newspaper from various parts of the county.
And they have varied in their details.
But they have one thing in common: Hot weather and the suffering of pets.
Some are resolved relatively simply. The pet owner is contacted, and the dog gets some water and shade.
Some are tougher.
In at least one case, a pet has died as a result of willful neglect on the part of an owner who not only ignored the concerns that had been raised but chased away folks who wanted to help.
In a perfect world, no pet would have an owner unwilling to provide it with water, care, and shelter.
But we don’t live in a perfect world, and animals suffer — particularly in brutal heat like we’ve been experiencing — because of it.
So what should you do if you have concerns about the welfare of the dog down the street or up the alley?
Talk to the owners. If they’re belligerent or there’s been a history of unresponsiveness in the past, contact local law enforcement.
Law enforcement will get in touch with animal control officials and/or the Jay County Humane Society.
There are laws on the books protecting pets and penalizing those who would abuse or neglect them.
The one thing you should not do is remain silent or wait too long.
If you do, you’ll find yourself asking, as one Jay County resident put it after the death of a dog in July’s heat, “Why didn’t I take it upon myself to be more aggressive in helping this poor creature?”
That’s a question no one wants on his conscience. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]
And they have varied in their details.
But they have one thing in common: Hot weather and the suffering of pets.
Some are resolved relatively simply. The pet owner is contacted, and the dog gets some water and shade.
Some are tougher.
In at least one case, a pet has died as a result of willful neglect on the part of an owner who not only ignored the concerns that had been raised but chased away folks who wanted to help.
In a perfect world, no pet would have an owner unwilling to provide it with water, care, and shelter.
But we don’t live in a perfect world, and animals suffer — particularly in brutal heat like we’ve been experiencing — because of it.
So what should you do if you have concerns about the welfare of the dog down the street or up the alley?
Talk to the owners. If they’re belligerent or there’s been a history of unresponsiveness in the past, contact local law enforcement.
Law enforcement will get in touch with animal control officials and/or the Jay County Humane Society.
There are laws on the books protecting pets and penalizing those who would abuse or neglect them.
The one thing you should not do is remain silent or wait too long.
If you do, you’ll find yourself asking, as one Jay County resident put it after the death of a dog in July’s heat, “Why didn’t I take it upon myself to be more aggressive in helping this poor creature?”
That’s a question no one wants on his conscience. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]
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