I am your Animal Control Officer. I am not the dreaded "dog-catcher" or the "murderer" you call me. I'm not the one who allows your pets to breed, then dumps the unwanted puppies and kittens on roadsides and in the shelters. I'm the one who must find the tiny animals before they die of starvation, exposure or disease and, as an act of mercy, exterminate them. It hurts me to be forced to kill hundreds of thousands of animals each year, but because of your irresponsibility, I have no choice. I'm not the one who abandons unwanted animals on the
farm roads, telling myself some friendly farmer will surely take them in
and give them a good home. But I am the one who picks up the frightened
animal who waits in vain for its beloved master, wondering why it has been
abandoned. I am the one who must help that friendly farmer trap,
tranquilize or kill that animal because it has begun to roam in packs with
other abandoned hungry animals, killing livestock, fowl and game.
I am not the one who breeds and fights dogs in the name of "sport". But I'm the one who fights the breeders and participants, and must pick up the dead and dying animals that have been left behind. So, remember the next time a stray dog bites your child, your trash is dumped and scattered, your pet is lost, stolen, poisoned or hit by a car, and it is the Animal Control Officer you cal not the "dog catcher". The next time your pet is picked up, or you are cited for neglecting or abusing your pet,, remember that I am only trying to get you to fulfill your responsibility to your pet, your neighbor your community and your self. Do not scorn me. Respect me, for I am the product of your irresponsibility. I love animals, I care and that why, I am here. |