by Marsha A. Wilson
Creston
As the holiday season comes, I would like to make you aware of a problem we are facing. Yes, go to the pet store or to a breeder, see that little baby with precious eyes, just begging to go home with you. That is wonderful, but please remember in about three months, that little baby turns into an adult animal. Then the attitude changes toward that dog or cat. Remember when you buy or adopt a pet, it is to be the “forever home” for these animals. But ...
I am not sure if you are aware of the fact that the city of Creston is having a problem with stray kittens and grown cats. There are more than to even guess how many are out there homeless.
I am definitely a “no kill” person, but something is going to have to be done soon. Some of these animals are ill or have special needs. Another terrible thing is happening to these animals that are friendly – individuals that do not like cats are doing mean, terrible things to them. Not all cats are friendly, but the ones that are, will come up to people thinking they are going to be kind ... many are not. This turns my stomach.
I am well aware that we have many individuals in town that make it their daily routine to go to different sections of town and feed and water the kittens and cats. But in reality, they are not helping the problem. Yes, the cats are not starving, but they are multiplying.
Both of our animal care organizations are working hard to find homes for these animals. One is looking for farms that will take them, but so many of the farms already have their share, and taking more is not an option.
Our city pound can only house about 10 cats, and that is pushing it. Dog Gone Rescue has been making room for them, but they are not really equipped to deal with cats.
The city animal control is trying very hard to work with people to catch these animals and hopefully give them homes. But there again, if a live trap is set, someone comes along and knocks it down, no problem solved.
This is not something that I agree with, but if something is not done soon, my own personal thoughts are we will have to somehow get all these animals caught, placed in homes or put to sleep.
If any of you have any suggestions or solutions, please contact me. As a city councilperson, I certainly want to make our city a safe place for humans and animals.
Please remember pets are accepting you as their “forever home.” Please don’t let them down.