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Please, No More Laws

While mandatory spaying and neutering laws may be practical, it is just one more way for the state and/or federal government to take more control over our lives. Yes, I love animals. Yes, I understand there are a lot of unwanted domesticated animals. I just don't think this is the answer.

Many young families want to have pets that will grow up with their children and most of us would agree, it's a good experience for the kids. In most cases, parents have good intentions to provide adequate care for the pets they get. Unfortunately, life sometimes gets in the way, and things don't always work out the way we plan. When the time arrives for the pet to be either spay or neutered, money is tight and it keeps getting postponed. Before you know it, you are expecting puppies or kittens, that you can't either keep or take care of.

So now what? You are looking around for an appropriate home for these young pets. Asking everyone you meet, putting an ad in the newspaper, trying desperately to find a place for them. Maybe you find homes for some, the rest end up having to go to the shelter or someplace similar, and there they wait to see if somebody, anybody, wants them. Often those who can't be adopted out are put to sleep. Sad.

What can we do to prevent this from happening? I would urge prospective pet owners to become knowledgeable about the pet they are wishing to get. Know about the needs of that pet and learn what the expense is to fulfill those needs. Not only neutering or spaying but shots, worming, check ups, flea and tic treatments, grooming, all these things have a cost. Know what you are getting into ahead of time.

Prior to getting your new pet, have the necessary money set aside that you will need for spaying or neutering and shots and worming. Having a pet is a responsibility and that is what you are trying to teach your kids. If you don't provide the necessary needs for this pet, the lesson you will be teaching your kids is not going to be the one you had hoped they would learn.

My cocker spaniel, Sasha, is the light of my life. She goes everywhere with me. I am so lucky to have her. I am also glad that she was lucky enough to get me!

We don't need a law we can't enforce - we need to be responsible.

Learn more about this author, G. Schettino.
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