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I had a very traumatic experience this morning that was quite the reality check.
Animal lovers... reader discresion is advised...
First, I'll say that I'm the proud mom of a healthy 2-and-a-half-year-old cat. Her name is Phyllis... I adopted Phyllis 2 years ago from an animal adoption agency. She was saved from the streets of Azel, Texas. I'm a lover of cats and dogs alike.
...Which leads me to my blog today... I had a quick shoot this morning to get video of some animals that were siezed and taken to the animal shelter. I went to the back and got a few shots and as I was on my way out a huge fluffy white dog caught the corner of my eye. I thought he was sleeping... When I looked closer, I realized there were several dogs... and cats... and a bunch of roosters... and there were NOT sleeping. These were all animals that had been euthenized... After realizing that all these animals were in fact dead I was rather traumatized. These were CUTE dogs... and they were all dead...
I immediately wanted to adopt a dozen dogs and cats to save them from their not to distant fate but unfortunately, I don't have the means...
So this is a call to action of sorts for all you casual animal lovers out there. There are heaps of dead animals at shelters in the big country because space is limited and their time is up. I think that if you are capable and somewhat willing, you should save some of these animals... and spare one photographer of a haunting image...
I immediately wanted to adopt a dozen dogs and cats to save them from their not to distant fate but unfortunately, I don't have the means...
So this is a call to action of sorts for all you casual animal lovers out there. There are heaps of dead animals at shelters in the big country because space is limited and their time is up. I think that if you are capable and somewhat willing, you should save some of these animals... and spare one photographer of a haunting image...
I'm sorry you had to see that! It's true and sad how many animals get euthanized each day.
ReplyDeleteIf I also had means to adopt I would, sometimes we forget how many pets need homes and we go to the puppy mill, or try to find that cute teacup yorkie, while these other dogs are being killed and need homes more than the $3,000 Yorkie.
Oddly, it seems almost wrong for shelters to collect animals when they must kill them after a certain so. It would seem more humane just to leave them be than to take them in for only a few days, knowing most of them will more than likely end up going under lethal injection. I realise the animal population must be kept under control in a developed community for several reasons; I only wish there was more that could be done to ensure that animals need not end thier lives pre-maturely for the simple sake of space. Actually, I have some friends in Dallas that are foster "parents" to animals until they can be adopted out. If Abilene has such a program, more need to participate, if not, we should start one.
ReplyDeleteOh, this just broke my heart into pieces!! Thank you for this reality check!
ReplyDeleteI thought Aaron Vannoy said all the animals seized recently had been adopted out. Why would there be chickens in this group of euthanized animals?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I sure hope they dispose of these animals properly and soon. Animal carcasses can generate disease and extreme stench.
RE: Starting a foster program -someone has to do it instead of just talking about it. We live in the country so no animal control vehicle comes around. However we do get stray cats that come to our ranch and also adopt from the shelter in town when we can. In keeping with responsible animal husbandry everthing is neutered or spayed - yes even the strays that come to our ranch. Unfortunately, most people just turn a blind eye to the problem, talk but don't act. If everyone would neuter or spay there wouldn't be an overpopulation; quit buying from puppy mills (& pet stores because that's where they get them - keeping those horrid places in business. The chickens were possibly picked up by animal control and unclaimed or seized from illegal activity - i.e., cockfighting. And instead of sending flowers to a funeral, donate to your local shelter in memory of someone special...for a living cause. Just a few suggestion on how you can help.
ReplyDeleteThe animals in the City's "Shelter" are put down by lethal injection. The bodies are then piled and put into big incinerators (this burns them into ashes). I've heard talk of them building a "death row" outside the shelter (in the back). And making room for freezers to put the bodies in so they don't have to burn the incinerators every day of the week.
ReplyDeleteAbilene Animal Control does not go out looking for strays. They get dozens of calls daily from citizens...most regarding strays. They are also a shelter that takes in all comers. No dog or cat is turned away. They have limited space and are working hard to make sure that as many animals as possible find homes. Before you criticize them, make sure you do your part. Spay and neuter your animals, don't buy from breeders or pet stores, and volunteer with them to see what they deal with daily.
ReplyDelete