THE PUBLIC MIND: READER COMES TO THE DEFENSE OF THE HUMANE SOCIETY

To the Editor:

With the recent inpouring of complaints against the Humane Society I felt the need to come to their defense. I believe some people don't understand the purpose of the Humane Society. Their ultimate goal is to close their doors forever. Their dream is that someday there will be no need for their services because there will be no more unwanted animals. The Humane Society must set strict guidelines for adoptions and stick to them! They cannot risk adopting animals to persons who may allow the animals to breed.

Over the past seven years, I have adopted two dogs and two cats from the Humane Society. I'm not a college graduate and for me the adoption paperwork was not that extensive. It took just a few minutes to fill out. As for the adoption fee, it was quite reasonable considering the fact that the animal receives vaccination and is dewormed before being turned over to its new owner. Those services performed by a veterinarian would cost about $20. Humane Society adoptions also receive free physical examination and a discount on spay and neuter costs through more local vets.

In the past, I had occasion to do some volunteer work for the Humane Society. Running a shelter for homeless animals is an incredible challenge! Each day animals must be fed, cleaned and loved, and all with the knowledge that most of them will die simply because there are not enough good homes for them all. If these animals go to the wrong homes and are allowed to breed, chances are very good that their offspring will end up at the Humane Society and so the cycle of animal overpopulation, unwanted animals and the sadness of euthanasia of healthy animals goes on.

People should remember that when they bring an animal into their home, they are making a commitment to be responsible for the health and well-being of that animal for its entire life, which may span 10 to 20 years. These animals cannot care for themselves. We have to stop treating animals as throw-away items for our amusement. They are not. They are living beings, not the same as us but with the same need for food, shelter, love and care. The Humane Society is doing the best they can with an animal population problem that is out of control.

Jhan Thomas

Jackson