Society's rules are to help animals

To the editor:

This is in response to Mr. Knowlan's opinion of our local Humane Society. I am not an employee, but I have been a volunteer for about four years.

Mr. Knowlan said he had to fill out a three-page application. This is to ensure the animal is getting a good home. I believe the questions of unaltered or unvaccinated pets at home are on the application. The call to the veterinarian's office is a routine reference check.

Even though Mr. Knowlan lives on a farm, there are still roads nearby. By living half of a mile from the nearest road, how long do you think that dog will take to find that road and gets hit by a car?

Mr. Knowlan mentioned he has the healthiest dogs in the county. Doesn't he realize the health benefits of altered pets? This is why every year thousands of animals are brought to the shelter. If the animals come in with a disease, and many do, they are jeopardizing every animal in the shelter. This is one of the biggest reasons the shelter euthanizes.

I am very sorry the Humane Society will not be receiving the generous donation Mr. Knowlan was planning on giving them. Donations and the generosity of our community and businesses operate the shelter. By altering and vaccinating his pets, Mr. Knowlan could get his dog a playmate.JUDI DAVIS

Cape Girardeau