Information about stray pets

To the editor:

Incorrect information regarding the Humane Society appeared in Speak Out. A police officer who does not normally work animal control picked up a dog from a citizen who wanted to help that dog find its way home. The officer did not know how the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri operates.

There is no time limit on how long an animal might stay at the shelter. Some are adopted immediately. Others could be there for months. All stray animals are put on a legal five-day hold to give an owner a chance to claim them. Last year nearly 350 lost pets were reunited with their owners. If the owners do not show up, the pets go up for adoption. As long as they are healthy, have a good temperament and we have space, they stay.

Space is definitely an issue. Each year about 4,500 animals are brought to the Humane Society. What is so sad about this situation is that it could be completely avoided if people would do three things: have their pets spayed or neutered, keep their pets for their lifetimes and keep their pets properly confined.

Until there are no more homeless animals, the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri vows to be here to help those who cannot help themselves.

REQUI M. SALTER, Board of Directors, Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, Cape Girardeau