HUMANS RESPONSIBLE FOR TOO MANY PETS

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri does an admirable job of sheltering stray animals.

Too few people come to the shelter to adopt pets. And too many people let their dogs and cats run without being spayed or neutered.

The result: About 75 percent of the animals brought to the shelter were killed. That's more than 3,800 dogs and cats that were euthanized last year.

It is a tough job for the Humane Society staff, which tries desperately to find good homes for these abandoned animals. But euthanasia is better than starving, being maimed by a wild animal, or getting hit by a car.

In 1997, more than 5,100 animals were brought to the shelter. Of those, 1,068 were adopted out to new homes. That's certainly rewarding. Another 250 animals were returned to their owners.

But every success story is offset by three pets who will never leave the shelter alive. The numbers are especially high in the summer months. For example, a record number of homeless animals -- 697 -- arrived last June.

The Humane Society makes a valiant effort to improve the numbers. But it's really up to everyone to tackle this situation.

First, people must make sure their dogs and cats are neutered and spayed to cut down on the numbers of unwanted pets.

Secondly, people should consider a trip to the Humane Society to find a friend that will give unconditional love.

These animals are waiting patiently for new homes. But time for many of these animals has already run out.