REPORT FROM HUMANE SOCIETY SHOWS SOME SIGNS THAT ANIMAL OWNERS ARE HEEDING MESSAGE

Each year, when the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri issues its annual report, there is a certain sadness that comes from learning how many unwanted pets there are. This year, the statistics for 1999 at least showed some improvement, fueling hope that efforts to make animal owners more aware of their responsibility are really working.

Last year, there were more than a third fewer animals that had to be killed after they were taken in by the Humane Society. Still, 2,831 animals had to be killed, down from 4,098 a year before. There was even more positive news: 1,137 animals were adopted last year, up from 992 in 1998.

The Humane Society performs and invaluable service for our area. Perhaps the biggest job is to educate animal owners about the need for neutering and spaying so that not so many unwanted animals are born in the first place.

With any luck, future reports from the Humane Society will show continuing decreases in the number of animals that wind up at the animal shelter.