"ALL PETS MATTER," says Responsible Pet Owners Alliance of Texas

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Aug. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Anytime there is an animal related incident, the first outcry is "There oughtta' be a law!"

Although laws already exist, more regulations are passed in response that exacerbate problems and result in more pets surrendered to animal shelters – not less.  New laws run the gamut:  Mandatory pet spay/neuter, mandatory microchips, differential licensing (higher license fees for intact dogs/cats), cat licensing, pet limits, annual permits for all species of animals, breeding bans, breed specific legislation, anti-tethering laws and more.

Animal problems vary as to regions, with Northern states experiencing a shortage of puppies for adoption/sale and Southern states with a more abundant supply.  Adolescent large dogs are numerous in shelters.  Statistics show that stray animal problems are predominantly in low income neighborhoods with high crime rates, gang problems, and drug use.  

Bob Christiansen, author of "Save Our Strays," writes:  "Targeting high problem areas within a community with helpful, people-friendly intervention programs will yield the most benefits (for people and pets) per funds spent.  When government looks at ways of solving transgressions, fines and fees play an important role in modifying human behavior.  This approach works well with human violations ... [but] is not effective with low-income animal owners.  This failed policy unjustly targets the poor."

Animal Rights Extremists try to convince elected officials that breeders are responsible for animals relinquished to shelters – not their owners – while only 5% of shelter dogs are purebreds and less than 1% are purebred cats.  The vegans say:  "Don't breed, don't buy, while shelter animals die" -- which is forever.  All emphasis is on "breeding" instead of pet retention and confining pets to the owner's property.  It's not rocket science! 

A late 90's study by the now defunct "National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP)" compiled statistics from 12 selected animal shelters that remain relevant today.  The study began with the premise:  "This problem cannot be solved unless we truly understand the problem."

The following "Reasons for Relinquishment" were given for both dogs and cats:  Moving; landlord not allowing pets; too many animals in household; pet maintenance cost; owner's personal problems; inadequate facilities; no homes available for litter mate.  Additionally, regarding dogs:  having no time for pet; pet illness(es).  Regarding cats:  allergies in family, house soiling, incompatibility with other pets.

"All the legislation in the world isn't going to make a community No Kill," says Nathan Winograd in his E-Newsletter "No Kill Solutions."  Winograd suggests proactive programs, such as Shelter Accountability, Affordable Spay/Neuter, working with rescue groups to take animals, Adoption Programs (including offsite venues), Feral Cat TNR Program, Pet Retention Programs, medical and behavior rehabilitation, foster care, public relations and development and a compassionate, hard working animal control director, who isn't content hiding behind the myth of "too many animals, not enough homes."

To be effective, animal problems must be addressed realistically instead of being "agenda" driven as they are at the present time.

www.rpoatexasoutreach.org

SOURCE Responsible Pet Owners Alliance

Related Links

http://www.responsiblepetowners.org